Pasta with a Purpose Party
Lynne Chafetz and Brad Hampton


On May 31, 2003 with much help from family and friends, we held our first fundraiser for TMA at our home, the Pasta with a Purpose Party. We sent invitations (designed on our computer by our daughter, Eve) to about 125 of our family members, friends and colleagues, asking them to join us for a hearty meal and good company to raise funds in support of The Transverse Myelitis Association. We included a letter with information about the TMA, the support we received whencontracted transverse myelitis in May 2000, and the important work the TMA does to provide support and education, as well as to support research.explained that the TMA was holding an important steering committee meeting in Seattle and that we were raising funds to support that, as well as TM research.

About 70 of our invitees attended the party and those who could not attend generouslydonations ranging from the "Penne Level" ($50)the "Cannelloni Level" ($1000).the day of the party, we had already raised over $5000. Lynne spoke for a few minutes to thankfor joining us, followed by very moving words from Paula Lazzeri (the TMA's Treasurer) about her experience contracting TM and the TMA, including its website and webmaster, Jim Lubin.prepared a simple Italian dinner and many antipasti (prepared by Grandma), pounds of pasta, cans of tomato sauce, heads of lettuce, loaves of garlic bread (prepared by a dear friend), bottles of Italian wine, amaretti cookiestiramisu cakes later, we had raised a total of over $12,000.a bit hesitant before this event to ask our family and friends to contribute,"made the ask," we found the response overwhelming.people left the party, they commented on how wonderful it was and asked that we please repeat the event -- sothis may become the first annual Pasta with a Purpose Party.

I would be happy to share our party invitations and planning information with anyone wanting to do a similar event.

Lynne Chafetz and Brad Hampton
bradlynne[AT SIGN]comcast.net