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McMahon Lends a Hand to MDA
Jeff McMahon presented this golden Labrador puppy
for auction at the 2004 "A Night Under The Stars" Gala
fundraiser for the MDA. Actress Nicole Cyrille (left), who has Charcot-Marie
Tooth Disease, served as auctioneer for the event.
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On April 24, 2004, Jeff McMahon was proud to serve as a celebrity participant
at the 18th Annual “A Night Under The Stars” Spring Gala,
presented by the Los Angeles chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association
in Beverly Hills, California.
Jann Carl of Entertainment Tonight and news anchor Leyna Nguyen
hosted the black-tie event, and famed radio and television host Kasey
Kasem presented the evening’s awards. Contributions were made through
sponsorships, dinner ticket sales, and fabulous gifts presented for both
silent and live auctions.
McMahon was quick to accept an invitation to join the fundraising event.
“I have a dear friend that is affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease,
which falls within the MDA family,” he shared. “She has dealt
with this since childhood, but she was not actually diagnosed until her
late twenties. So given the chance to raise awareness and support of these
diseases, I’m happy to help.”
Help he did, as he was called to assist with one of the most-prized auction
items of the evening…a golden Labrador retriever puppy! “It
was my job to walk the room with this little guy, making sure that everyone
fell in love with him before the bidding started,” he said. A self-professed
dog lover, McMahon was never tempted to place his own bid. “I am
going on tour soon, and I couldn’t just leave him behind. I guess
that’s why I got this job,” he laughed. “They knew I
wouldn’t try to keep him!”
Auction items ranged from canines to cruises. Someone won an afternoon
at tea with Suzie Castillo, Miss USA 2003. Another left with an Arabian
horse valued at roughly $40,000. Bids were placed on jewelry, paintings,
and massages. One lucky bidder walked away with a basketball autographed
by Magic Johnson.
McMahon enjoyed meeting the MDA’s California Goodwill Ambassador
at the event…eight year-old Alexis
Villa. “What a joy she is,” said McMahon. “She
just lit up the room…a real inspiration. They snagged a quick photo
together as the diminutive hostess worked the room, prompting smiles at
every turn. “The MDA is really lucky to have her,” he said.
This year’s event was a huge success. Supporters stepped forward,
one after another, to make $500 contributions. Each one enabled a child
to go to the MDA summer camp. A total of $49,500 was quickly amassed for
these camp scholarships, even before the evening’s final auction
had begun.
In its entirety, the evening’s event raised $611,000 in support
of the MDA.
For more information on supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association,
visit their website at www.mdausa.org.
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