“People buying and signing their names on Shamrocks literally transforms thousands of supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants and other retail businesses into festive green and gold settings in honor of St. Patrick’s Day,” says Gerald C. Weinberg, President and CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. “They know the $1 and $5 donations they make at their favorite retailers will add up quickly – especially since the prominent display of personalized Shamrocks challenges other shoppers to help MDA, too.”

The new Text IRISH to 20222 giving option is fun and quick, explains Weinberg. “It takes just seconds to Text IRISH to 20222 on your cell phone to make a $5 donation to MDA that will help speed treatments and cures for muscle diseases. Plus, cell phone donors will receive a link for Shamrocks wallpaper to download for their cell phones. The Shamrocks wallpaper will make friends green with envy, as everyone celebrates St. Patrick’s Day.”
The world’s first text giving effort to automatically thank donors with custom wallpaper for their cell phones, Text IRISH to 20222; and the in-store Shamrocks Against Dystrophy mobile program, are being promoted as a public service by media outlets across the country using special broadcast, print and electronic PSAs. These PSAs remind people that everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day; and that one of the best ways to celebrate is to share the luck of the Irish by buying a Shamrock to help MDA fight muscle diseases.

Phone carriers already participating in the Text IRISH to 20222 campaign for MDA include Alltel, AT&T Wireless, Bell Mobility, Cellular South, Cincinnati Bell, Cricket, Fido Microcel, MTS, Nextel, Rogers Canada, Sasktel, T-Mobile, Telus, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless and Virgin Mobile Canada. Sprint is expected to enable its subscribers to participate soon. The texting initiative is being facilitated by the Mobile Giving Foundation and by Give By Cell.
The first nonprofit organization recognized by the American Medical Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award “for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity,” MDA continues to transform the generous public support it receives into worldwide research seeking treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases affecting more than 1 million Americans. The Association also provides unparalleled health care and support services through its network of more than 200 hospital-affiliated clinics; tirelessly advocates for the families it serves; and educates both medical and general audiences about neuromuscular diseases. Extensive information and a myriad of useful resources are available at www.mda.org or by calling 800-572-1717.

Join the Chicagoland Chapter of Autism Speaks to change the future for all who struggle with autism by participating in the Chicago Walk Now for Autism Speaks (THREE-MILE) walk on (Saturday), May 15 at (Soldier Field, CHICAGO).  Working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.

The Chicago Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a family-friendly community event that welcomes 15,000 participants annually, including hundreds of area families.  Funds raised through the Walk Now for Autism Speaks support research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; raising awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocacy for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.  The event brings hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.

•    DATE:  Saturday, May 15
o    Registration – 8:00 a.m.
o    Start of Walk – 10:30 a.m.
•    LOCATION:     Soldier Field, Chicago

There is no fee to register, but participants are encouraged to collect donations and pledges for the noncompetitive walk along the Lakefront Path.  A commemorative T-shirt is given to walkers who raise $150 or more.

In 2009, more than 320,000 walkers across the United States collected more than $24 million at 80 Walk Now for Autism Speaks events.  To register or for more information, visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/chicago or call 224-567-8573.

CHICAGO, IL, North Side Chicago dentist Dr. Theodore Siegel D.D.S., P.C. and the entire Big Smile Dental
staff will provide free dental treatment to the Chicago community on Valentine’s Day on a first come, first serve basis.
Dr. Siegel founded the ‘Dentists with Heart’ benefit several years ago as way to give back to his Chicago community.

“My hope that the truly needy in the community who fear dental bills more than
they fear dental treatment, will be first in line to take advantage of this opportunity,”
says Dr. Siegel of Big Smile Dental (http://www.bigsmiledental.com).

In addition to the Big Smile Dental Staff, Dr. Siegel will be joined by other Chicago dentists including Dr.
Henry Lotsof, D.D.S., the Ravenswood Dental Group, Dr. David Hanson, M.D., D.D.S., the Lincoln Park Institute
for Oral & Cosmetic Surgery, and Dr. Gary Hosters, D.D.S., Norwood Park Periodontics.

“Healthy smiles are our passion and serving the Chicago land community is extremely important to us – we
will continue this tradition of providing free dental care on Valentine’s Day each and every year,” says Dr. Siegel.
The number of people without medical insurance in Chicago is high, and the number lacking dental insurance is
even higher. Dr. Siegel and his team see dental care as a necessary service, even for those who don’t have
insurance. Big Smile Dental hopes that their day of service will make it easier for the uninsured to find a dentist
in Chicago to ease tooth pain and disease.

On Valentine’s Day, the doors to Dr. Siegel’s Chicago dental office will be open from 9 AM to 6 PM. Dr.
Siegel and team will see as many patients as possible, but the exact number will depend upon the treatments
that are necessary. Siegel expects to perform many different procedures, including extractions, x-rays, fillings,
cleanings, diagnostics, and pain control.

Dr. Siegel is hopeful that uninsured parents may bring their children in for dental treatment. Children must be
older than 12 in order to be seen, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if under 18 years of age.
Dr. Siegel says that the best time to develop good dental habits is while a child is still young. Unfortunately, in
many uninsured families, dental hygiene – even brushing and flossing of teeth – can fall by the wayside, simply
because parents don’t understand the critical importance of preventative dental care.

Dr. Siegel has been a leader among Chicago dentists for over 23 years. His practice is located on N.
Milwaukee Avenue, in the heart of Logan Square/Avondale. His clientele, however, comes from a much broader
area, particularly those who come for Dentists with Heart. As he opens his doors to anyone on Valentine’s Day,
he very often finds that mothers travel quite a distance to bring their children in for free dental care.
As he has learned just how far some mothers must travel, Dr. Siegel has become more dedicated to spreading
the word about the Dentists with Heart charity.

Big Smile Dental and Dr. Siegel have already established partnerships with other Chicago dentist colleagues,
who have then joined him in providing free dental care through Dentists with Heart.

About Big Smile Dental: Big Smile Dental, led by Dr. Theodore Siegel, is a recognized leader among Chicago
dentists (http://www.bigsmiledental.com). The office is located in the Logan Square area of Chicago’s north side,
and serves clients from neighborhoods throughout Chicago.

This night signifies the launch of the 501 (c) (3) organization whose mission is to raise funds for charities throughout Chicago and Illinois that service children with special needs and learning disabilities. Please RSVP to Kendall Guimond or (312/588-3717) to let us know if you can attend the event on February 10th.

TRIPLE HEADER RAFFLE ($10/ticket):
First Prize: 50” Sanyo Plasma HDTV ($900 value)

Second Prize: Wii Fit Package (including Wii Console, Extra controller and nun chuck, Wii Fit and balance board, and Thrustmaster T-Fitness Pro Pack) ($400 Value)

Third Prize: Tom Tom Special Edition 4.3” GPS and case ($170 Value)

Drawing March 13, 2010 – Winner need not be present to win

If you would like to attend, make a donation, sponsor the event (Levels starting at $250-$10,000) or purchase raffle tickets, please contact: Cindy at 847-458-6802 or e-mail cwilliams_alca@sbcglobal.net.

We could use your help!
The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism (ALCA) is a 501c3 charity, located in Lake in the Hills. It is a Developmental Learning Center and Illinois State Board of Education approved Therapeutic Day School for children with autistic spectrum disorders between the ages of 2 and 12. Currently, autism is the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disability in the United States. It is estimated that autism is being diagnosed at the rate of 1 out of every 100 children. It is our mission to provide an environment where our students can learn and thrive. We focus on sensory regulation, engagement, communication, academics, social skills, reduction of maladaptive behaviors, community integration, life skills and parent coaching. Each student has an individualized 1:1 program designed to meet their unique needs, using proven methodologies and teaching strategies to gain functional independence. ALCA continues to grow and develop with the rising population of autism. In order to continue to provide quality services to our students and their families, we need community support.

Save the date, March 13, 2010, for our 4th annual fundraiser “Dance the Night Away for Autism” at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn. Featuring the music of Hip Pockit (www.hippockit.com) This year is going to be our biggest and best yet!

By now you know the worst earthquake in more than 200 years hit the island of Haiti yesterday. Early estimates put the possible death toll in the thousands. View Photos of the disaster.

Here’s how can you help:

MSNBC has put together this helpful list of charitable organizations rushing to Haiti’s aid, adding, “For those interesting in helping immediately, simply text “HAITI” to “90999″ and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.”