ALS Fundraiser in Baltimore Gathers 175

The ALS Association DC/MD/VA Chapter hosted its annual black-tie gala, Celebrate Life, at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore on Jan. 28.

"Celebrate Life attracted more than 175 attendees from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia," according to a news release from the association.

There was dinner, dancing, cocktails, a silent auction, and a jewelry raffle sponsored by Tiffany & Co. of Towson Town Center, the release states.

Proceeds from the evening benefitted ALS research and patient services, it states.

The following is from the news release:

"Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal disease that leads to a person’s complete paralysis, inability to speak, move and eventually breathe on his or her own.

"ALS currently affects 30,000 people in the United States. The ALS Association is the only national nonprofit organization that continually strives to find a cure for ALS while simultaneously providing support for patients and families.

"The research conducted by the ALS Association has extended the lives of many patients, and the support and services provided to patients and families has eased their lives as they struggle with the progressive deterioration of their ability to move and speak."