Black-tie event will raise funds for ALS research

The 13th annual Phil Villapiano Field of Hope Gala will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at the South Gate Manor in Freehold. The black-tie gala is an annual event that aims to raise money to benefit research to fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease), which progressively destroys the nerve cells controlling muscles in healthy adults, leading to paralysis, and eventually death.

Last year, more than 500 people attended and raised $438,000 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association's ALS research program, while also helping to raise awareness for ALS.

Gary U.S. Bonds will provide entertainment for the evening.

Patricia Laus, owner of the Atlantic Club of Manasquan and Red Bank, will receive the Lou Gehrig Humanitarian Award; Quest Diagnostics will receive the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award; and the Lo- Biondo family will be awarded the Peter Burnham Gesell Sr. Memorial Award. The night will also feature silent, live and research minute auctions.

To prepurchase research minutes and sponsorships, contact Nicole Fortier at (732) 936 9940 or nfortier@mdausa.org.