Christopher Reeve Puts "Hope in Motion" to Cure Spinal Cord Injury Paralysis

Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation
Tuesday, 26 February 2002

The stars will once again shine brightly at the fourth annual "Hope In Motion", a dinner and auction to benefit the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF), being held on March 16, 2002 at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. As the culminating point of the HARRISdirect American Ski Classic, the gala affair brings together legends from the world of entertainment including Kelsey Grammer, Peri Gilpin (Roz Doyle from "Frasier), Cliff Robertson, Sharon Lawrence and Michael Badalucco, as well as sports legends and Olympic medallists Trent Dimas and Steve Lundquist, Heisman trophy winner Gino Toretta, designer Kenneth Cole and many others.

Established in 1999, "Hope in Motion" has raised over $900,000 since its inception to support research leading to a cure for spinal cord injury paralysis. "We are proud to partner with Christopher Reeve and his work to help those who deal with catastrophic illness every day," said Ceil Folz, president of the Vail Valley Foundation. "This is a wonderful way to come together to celebrate the twentieth year of the HARRISdirect American Ski Classic, while making a significant contribution to a most worthy cause."

The HARRISdirect American Ski Classic, hosted by President Gerald R. Ford, combines the thrill of athletic competition with a spectacular array of parties, concerts and special events.

Christopher Reeve had participated in the American Ski Classic as a competitor prior to the 1995 accident that left him paralyzed, and the partnership with the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation grew as a result of these friendships. Reeve will be joining the festivities once again to bring focus to the work of his Foundation to help those living with spinal cord injury paralysis.

Emceed by Harry Smith of A&E's "Travels with Harry", the benefit dinner and auction includes a star-studded guest list. Auction items are always exciting, and this year feature the following:

- Givenchy Haute Couture trip to Paris, including exclusive invitation to a private dinner at the famed private Jockey Club, two tickets to the Givenchy Haute Couture show, and a chance to design your own scent with master perfumer Blaise Mautin. Includes six nights accommodation in Paris and Provence and round trip business class air travel.

- Two tickets to Christopher Reeve's star-studded 50th birthday bash in New York City on September 25, 2002, including accommodation at the Marriott Marquis and professional hair and makeup for the lucky winner.

- Two Tickets to the "Diva Live" concert, which has featured Celine Dion, The Supremes, Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Faith Hill, and the incomparable Aretha Franklin at past shows! Includes a sexy evening dress by Bill Blass.

- An exclusive British Isles Golf Cruise for two, donated by Kalos Golf.

The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation supports research to develop effective treatments and a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. Until effective treatments and cures are found, CRPF also provides quality of life grants to organizations providing assistance to people living with disabilities, particularly spinal cord injuries. For more information, please visit www.crpf.org.

The HARRISdirect American Ski Classic is a project of the Vail Valley Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the life of our community through athletic, cultural and educational events and programming. For more information, please contact the Vail Valley Foundation at 970.949.1999, or visit www.vvf.org.

For more information, or to contact Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, see their website at: www.christopherreeve.org