When I was reacquainted with my childhood friend Karen Van Houten Barber in September of 1999, I was stunned to learn about and see first-hand the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis on such a young woman. When I was told that 78% of all people affected by MS are in fact women and most are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, it was easy for me to team up with Karen to create and co-chair "Dressing Well — An Evening to Benefit MS".

The first event was held in October of 2000. We surpassed our fundraising goals by $15,000 bringing in $45,000. Clearly we were onto something and we decided to commit to a three-year fundraising initiative to educate a new generation of women about this devastating disease. The second annual event held in October 2001was even more successful. It attracted over 500 business and community leaders and raised an additional $62,000 for MS. By the time we concluded this three-year fashion show/fundraising initiative in October 2002, we had raised $215,000.

A special thanks to our sponsors and patrons who have supported this venture and helped to make it a reality. It is truly amazing what a group of committed women can achieve when they focus their collective energies. If you would like to get involved with the MS Society, please call Linda Thomson at 800-493-9255.

All the best,

Mary Lou Andre
Creator & Co-Chair
Dressing Well — An Evening to Benefit MS

P.S. To view pictures of the 2002 event, click here, for the 2001 event, click here.

For more information about other charities we support all year long, click here!