Madness Against Malaria Finalists Enter the “Mad Bowl”

Madness Against Malaria Finalists Enter the “Mad Bowl”

INNOVATIVE ONLINE MADNESS AGAINST MALARIA FUND-RAISING TOURNAMENT BEGINS CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

NEW YORK; April 11, 2007 — While the University of Florida is basking in the glory of an NCAA National Championship win, two teams are battling for a win of their own – in a competition that is literally saving lives. Madness Against Malaria (MAM), a unique international online awareness and fund-raising initiative, has entered its championship round, the “Mad Bowl,” pitting university students and corporate executives against each other (see: madnessagainstmalaria.com).

The goal of MAM, which launched in September 2006, is to combat malaria, which despite being fully preventable and curable, kills 1-3 million people each year—70% of whom are children under the age of five.

All of the funds raised through MAM will be used to purchase life-saving, long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets (LLINs), which cost just $5 apiece and are extremely effective at preventing malaria, which is spread by insects. As of today, MAM has raised $83,892 to purchase nearly 17,000 nets.

The teams competing in the “Mad Bowl” are Team USA and Beantown Beatdown of de’ Squiter.

“It's impressive to see how much support MAM has received, not just from the 121 teams that joined, but also from friends, families and other concerned individuals,” said philanthropist and hedge fund manager Lance Laifer, who co-founded MAM along with Rob Mather of the World Swim For Malaria Foundation (WSMF). "From the first round to the ‘Mad Bowl,’ I continue to be overwhelmed and excited by the amount of support we've received. I wish Team USA and Beantown Beatdown of de' Squiter, whose determination and perseverance should be a guiding light to us all, the best of luck as they battle for the Malaria Cup!"

Team USA is sponsored by Dukas Public Relations (DPR), an NYC-based public relations firm. Team members include the employees of DPR, and many of the firm’s clients including Michael H. Steinhardt, the legendary hedge fund manager and philanthropist; Phoenix Ancient Art, one of the world’s foremost dealers of ancient art from Western Civilization; Blue Mountain Capital Management, a prominent hedge fund; and The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association, an alternative investment education provider. Team USA was the top ranked team heading into the tournament rounds on March 1, and has raised $12,398.50.

Beantown Beatdown of de' Squiter was established by the Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) Rotaract Club. The club is comprised of Boston University students dedicated to service-oriented activities, with a focus on public health issues like malaria. The team was the 31st ranked team at the end of the regular MAM season, but has pulled off a series of upsets to land in the “Mad Bowl.” For instance, the team defeated the second place “Six Degrees of Tilson” to advance to the “Sweet 16” round last month. To date, Beantown Beatdown of de’ Squiter has raised $3,521.10.

The winning team will be awarded the “Malaria Cup” on April 16th.

To participate in Madness Against Malaria by supporting Team USA or Beantown Beatdown of de’ Squiter, visit www.madnessagainstmalaria.com.