Halloween Costume Ball Will Benefit ALS Research
By Ed Meisel

While life itself can play some cruel tricks, friends and family of a LaGrange woman suffering a debilitating disease are determined to turn these tricks into treats, and treats into treatments this Halloween.

The first “Halloween Spooktacular Costume Ball” will be held on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Arlington High School, to raise money to research a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The family-oriented event will offer a costume contest, a professional DJ, a magician and a catered buffet dinner with a children’s menu. In addition, the event will feature a silent auction with more than 40 items donated by local businesses and individuals. Some items to be auctioned include two tickets for the musical “Beauty & the Beast,” a Killington, Vt. ski package, a flat screen TV, a six-month membership to Gold’s Gym and autographed items from country music star Kenny Chesney.

A volunteer group of parents and teachers in the Arlington school district have organized the fundraiser in honor of Debi Christensen, who has the neurological disease ALS. Christensen, the mother of two daughters, ages 8 and 11, is well-known and cared about in her community.

“She is someone who is an active volunteer in the schools and community, and has given so much to so many people with her generosity, kindness and uplifting positive attitude. Even with a disease that is rapidly taking away her muscle control and has made it difficult for her to speak and walk, she continues to give of herself,” said volunteer Sandy Frinton. “She is so involved that she is even volunteering to help on this event. That’s the type of person she is.”

Christensen is currently receiving experimental treatment at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.

“All my friends and family wish they could do more for me. I would just say to them ‘Find a Cure for ALS,’ said Christensen. “A group of close friends and teachers decided to throw this Spookatcular Ball in my honor to raise money for research and to find a cure. I feel so blessed to be part of a loving, caring community. I don’t know what I would do without their support.”

All event proceeds will benefit the Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Research Center.

Tickets are $25 per adult and $10 per child. Checks should be made payable to Columbia University ALS Gift Fund. For tickets, contact Holly Nenni at 452-6764 or via e-mail to stampin69@optonline.net.
http://www.theweeklybeat.net/2006/10/20/coualsball.html

Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Good Life: In The Mid-Hudson Valley



Halloween ball raises money for ALS research

More than $10,000 was raised at the Halloween Spooktacular Costume Ball to research a cure for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

About 250 attended the Oct. 28 event at Arlington High School, held in honor of Debi Christensen of LaGrange, to benefit the Columbia University Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Research Center.

Some 50 local businesses and individuals donated prizes for the silent auction and raffle and made other contributions toward the event.

A volunteer group of parents and teachers in the Arlington School District organized the fundraiser in Christensen's name. She has the neurological disease ALS.

The group has also raised $1,000 for ALS through coin drops at Adams Fairacre Farms and plans to conduct other fundraising events throughout the yehttp://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061108/LIFE/611080308ar.