MIAMI GALA TO FEATURE MESSAGE OF HOPE
FROM BEST-SELLING POET MATTIE STEPANEK

MIAMI, March 7, 2003 — A powerful video featuring Muscular Dystrophy Association National Goodwill Ambassador Mattie Stepanek will be the highlight of a black-tie gala and MDA fund-raiser on March 14 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Although the gala is being held in his honor, Stepanek, a 12-year-old peacemaker and best-selling poet, is unable to attend due to health concerns. However, the charismatic youngster will deliver a strong message of hope through a video made especially for the Miami event.

Talk show icon and Miami favorite Sally Jessy Raphael will help host the event, as will MDA Florida Task Force on Public Awareness member Elio Navarro and WFOR-TV’s Elliott Rodriguez. In addition, several local MDA families will be interviewed.

The gala, which is sponsored by the Kirk Foundation, begins at 7 p.m. and raises funds for MDA’s medical and research programs in Miami, and will help send South Florida children to MDA summer camp.

To reserve a table or purchase tickets, call 1-800-989-4MDA.