Every week more than 3,000 people in the U.S. lose an arm or a leg. Of those impacted, many find themselves with insufficient coverage or lack of insurance to cover the pricey prosthetic limbs needed to resume their daily lives.
The Limbs for Life Foundation was created to bring awareness to the plight of these amputees and provide them with financial assistance to return to productive jobs and active lifestyles.
On Saturday, Feb. 21 starting at 6 p.m. the Foundation holds its annual fundraising gala, featuring live and silent auctions, a four-course meal, cocktails and dancing. Last year’s event raised more than $400,000, which, by the association providing limbs and treatment at cost, results in more than $4 million in value for amputees.
The cause is serious, but the spirit of the event is not. Each year, hundreds of guests don elaborate thematic costumes–past themes include Mardi Gras (The Limb Ball), 1960 Go-Go (Limb a Go-Go), Western (Limb Round-Up) and Love Boat (Limb Boat)–and descend on the Dallas Trade Center for an evening of food, fun, entertainment and most importantly, fundraising.
Nancy Jay, host of “Celebrity Spotlight” on EXTV, will serve as emcee for the evening. Other notable attendees include Honorary Underwriting Chairs Toni and Norman Brinker; Linda and Peter Cancro, Barbara and Stan Levenson; and Linda and Mark Quick.
The Beach Blanket Limbo is Co-Chaired by Limbs for Life Board Members Holly and Doug Brooks; and Executive Director Craig Gavras. Also in attendance will be Limbs for Life prosthetic recipients, Connor Karow, age six, who was born missing part of his leg, and Chris Ridgway, an X-Games gold medalist who lost his leg in a motocross accident.
A live auction will be one of the highlights of the evening, with several exclusive prize packages and offerings up for grabs. Items up for bid include priceless packages of: a chance to see a live episode of American Idol, tickets to the NFL draft, a week of fishing and relaxation in a remote lodge in Alaska and more. All proceeds benefit the Limbs for Life Foundation.
Donations are accepted online at www.limbsforlife.org. For more information about the event, please call (972) 770-9504. Individual tickets can be purchased for $150 each and sponsorship packages are still available. Also online is an auction catalog, detailing descriptions of the auction items up for bid at the event.