Amazing Whale Tracking Adventure Available in Upcoming Charity Auction

— The adventure of a lifetime will be available next month during an auction to benefit research into a deadly childhood disease. One of the many items available during the 5th annual Fight SMA (http://www.fightsma.org) SMAsquerade auction event is the opportunity to spend eight days tracking whales in the Pacific Ocean, guided by a senior editor and photographer from National Geographic magazine.

Fight SMA, an international nonprofit organization working to accelerate a cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), is organizing the event. The SMAsquerade event is Fight SMA’s signature fundraiser. This year’s theme is “SMAsquerade: Make Tracks!” The event will be held on October 13th in Richmond, Virginia, at the Science Museum of Virginia. All proceeds from the auction will go toward research into finding a cure for SMA.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy is the leading genetic killer of infants under two. The neuromuscular disease causes a wasting of muscles throughout the body. Children with the condition dramatically lose strength, movement and, in the worst cases, the ability to swallow and even breathe.

“The items we’ve acquired this year are incredible,” said Fight SMA President Martha Slay. “We’re expecting a lot of excitement and are hoping to raise a lot of money to help cure SMA.”

The whale tracking adventure package includes an eight-day “Whale Watching Adventure” for two to Baja California and the Sea of Cortez. Over twelve species of whales have been spotted in the waters, making the Sea of Cortez a premier whale and dolphin watching location. The winners of the auction will set sail February 23, 2008 with a National Geographic Senior Editor Don Belts, and his wife, National Geographic Photographer Annie Belts. This professional team will give you an exclusive glimpse into the Gulf of California and its unique treasures.

You do NOT need to be present to bid in this auction. For more information on proxy bidding, please call Fight SMA at (804) 515-0080.

Other items available during the SMAsquerade 2007 live auction, sponsored by Dominion:

*Head to the horseracing track for the 134th Run for the Roses! The winner will receive six corporate box seats each for The Kentucky Derby, and for Kentucky Oaks, which is the day before. Three nights of accommodations are included for the weekend, from Thursday, May 1st to Sunday, May 4th. The ladies in the winning group will enjoy a full cosmetic makeover for three, from Light Touch Day Spa, on Friday, May 2nd!

*Make tracks in two million pounds of ICE in Nashville, Tennessee! The winner of this auction will receive a three-night stay for four in December at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, as the city trucks in two million pounds of ice to ensure a “White Christmas”. The auction winner will receive tickets and VIP experiences, including meet and greets, to “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes, and The Pam Tillis Christmas Dinner Party. Many more experiences are included! This wonderful vacation is valid from Thursday, December 20 to Sunday, December 23, 2007.

*Make tracks in the sand during a 10-day stay in a well-appointed three bedroom, two-bath hacienda in Clearwater, Florida. The house includes a backyard oasis with a custom pool and hot tub. The home is beautifully decorated and landscaped with private beach access just a five-minute walk away. Other amenities include wireless Internet, theatre room, and access to club pool. This package also includes multiple spa treatments, gym membership and a Pirate Ship Cruise for four!

More details about auction items and the event are available on the Fight SMA website, at http://www.fightsma.org/index.php?smasquerade-2007.

Corporate supporters of this year’s event include:

*Presenting Sponsor: SunTrust
*Live Auction Sponsor: Dominion
*Silent Auction Sponsor: In Your Ear
*Audio Visual Sponsor: New Market Corp.
*Entertainment Sponsor: AMF
*Decorations Sponsor: Children’s Wear Digest
*Venue Sponsor: Chesapeake Capital

Tickets and additional corporate sponsorships are still available. For more information, visit the Fight SMA website or call (804) 515-0080.

Members of the media are invited to attend the event. Please call or email the contact given above if you wish to cover the event.

About Fight SMA
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Fight SMA (also known as Andrew's Buddies) is an international nonprofit group dedicated to accelerating research for a treatment or a cure for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disorder that kills more babies than any other genetic disease. For more information on spinal muscular atrophy and Fight SMA, please visit http://www.fightsma.org.