DRESS TO IMPRESS FOR MS

Words by Alicia Underlee Nelson

TThere was no official dress code for the Little Black Dress Luncheon, hosted by the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society on March 4. But most of the guests in Fargo’s Holiday Inn ballroom took the hint and donned black.

The luncheon, however, was anything but somber. “It’s a really great event,” said first-time attendee Lisa Helbling. “It’s cheerful, energetic.”

Handsomely dressed attendees bid on silent auction items, friends sipped wine and coworkers chatted over lunch. The drinks, the silent auction and the convivial atmosphere are all part of the event’s successful fundraising strategy.

“This is the 11th annual event and we have 100 more attendees than ever before, with 411 registered this year,” said Event Coordinator Laurie Kuehl. “Last year we increased the fundraising by $10,000 and we hope to reach our goal of $50,000 this year.”

The money raised will fund research projects, programs and services for individuals who live with MS. The Upper Midwest chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society serves over 17,000 people in North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

“It’s a time to be together with friends and to support those who live with MS,” said Kuehl. “But there are people who don’t know about MS. So this is a chance to spread the awareness.” [AWM]