Wine tasting will benefit MS center
CentraState Healthcare Foundation will present its seventh annual multiple sclerosis fundraiser, "An Evening in the Vineyards," from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 5, at the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus, 901 W. Main Street, Freehold Township.

Proceeds will go to the newly named Linda E. Cardinale Multiple Sclerosis Center at CentraState Medical Center.

The event will feature a sampling of more than 25 wines from France, Italy, Spain and California, all donated by Max's Beer, Wine and Liquor. Hors d'oeuvres and pastries and other baked goods donated by Pasticceria Bruno Bakery, Staten Island, N.Y., and Ferrari's Little Italy and Bakery and Café, Little Italy in New York City, also will be offered.

Developed with the support of Vito Cardinale of Cardinale Enterprises in honor of his wife, Linda, and the Mid- Jersey Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, the regional center provides diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and support for patients with MS and their families, according to a press release.

The center treats more than 750 patients per year and recently graduated the first class from its new MS Wellness Program, which was modeled after the highly regarded programs of the University of Southern California and the University of California-Los Angeles.

CentraState also will honor two people for their longstanding commitment to MS research and philanthropic activities: William Sibold, senior vice president of U.S. Neurology at Biogen Idec and Tindra Lanfrank, chair and organizer of the Women Against MS luncheon of the Mid-Jersey Chapter of the National MS Society.

Co-chairs of the benefit are Terri and John Cilmi, Staten Island, and Crystal Cardinale and Amanda Cardinale, Staten Island.

Tickets are available at a cost of $175 per person, and sponsorship packages range from $1,500 to $7,500. Last year's event drew more than 430 people and raised more than $200,000. Details: 732- 294-7099 or visit www.centrastatefoundation. org.