16th Annual Westmoreland County Sports Dinner

When:		Thursday, April 7, 2011
Location:		Ferrante's Lakeview Restaurant Greensburg, PA
Time:		5:30 Door Open and Cocktail Reception 7:00 Dinner & Auction

For more information, please contact the EFWCP special events coordinators at 1-800-361-5885 or via email at staff@efwp.org.

Local physician leads charge to raise funds for Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central PA

Dr. Louis Catalano spearheaded his first sports auction to raise money for the Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania (EFWCP), hosting about 100 people and raising about $10,000, in 1995.

Today, the fundraiser envisioned by the Greensburg physician not only attracts hundreds of patrons, but it also raises more than six times the original amount from its first year. As a result, the annual Westmoreland County Sports Dinner and Auction is now a nationally-recognized and emulated event.

The National Epilepsy Foundation in 2003 took notice of the event and its continued growth, and named Louis Catalano, Jr., M.D., F.A.A.N., EFWCP board member, and chair of the event as a recipient of the national organization’s 2003 Volunteer of the Year.

This year’s event, true to its history, is shaping up to again raise more money than the prior year, thanks to Catalano’s efforts and the assistance of his wife Diana and 30 event committee members.

Dr. Catalano has steered an increase in the presence of the Sports Dinner and Auction to include businesses, philanthropists and the most influential citizens in the area. Proceeds annually help to sustain the EFWCP’s services for people with epilepsy/seizure disorders.

“This event is the tremendous success that it is because of the hard work of a great group of dedicated people,” said EFWCP executive director Judy Painter. “Our volunteers, the event committee, and the entire staff of Dr. Catalano’s practice work tirelessly to make sure that the night is great fun and one of our most fabulous fundraisers. And, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Dr. Catalano and Diana for providing the vision and the leadership that make each event so memorable.“

Eric R. Hargis, president and CEO of the National Epilepsy Foundation added: “Because of Diana and Dr. Catalano’s dedicated involvement in this event, literally thousands of people who would otherwise not have contact with the organization have become strong supporters. Physicians and professionals working in the Westmoreland County area who were formerly not aware of the EFWCP now refer patients to its programs.”

To purchase tickets to the event or for more information, contact the EFWCP special events coordinators at 1-800-361-5885 or via email at staff@efwp.org.