ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., Feb. 2, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Parkinson's and Movement Disorder Foundation (PMDF) is anything but silent about their plight to support basic and clinical research into the causes, treatments, and cures for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Their upcoming fundraiser, however, will be partly silent, with the spectacular viewing of the silent film, Girl Shy. The event will kick-off with the authentic 1920's 13-piece band, Mora's Modern Rhythmists. Dean Mora himself, will provide lively accompaniment for the entire screening of the film. The Foundation's first-annual Silent Film & Music Gala will take place on Saturday, February 21, 8 p.m. at the Curtis Theatre in historic Brea, California. The event is expected to draw at least 200 people. Advanced tickets cost $45 a piece and $60 at the door. Student rate is $21. All proceeds will be awarded for Parkinson's research efforts.
The fundraising concept is the brainchild of clinical research coordinator Sam Nasrawi, a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinema & Television, who will direct the charity event. According to Nasrawi, who has staged a number of highly successful silent film screenings in other parts of California, the exhilarating evening will be highly interactive and a meaningful night of laughter and unique entertainment for a very important cause.
"Girl Shy is a beautiful romance, an innovate adventure, and wildly funny," says Nasrawi. The film, which was originally released in 1924 and heralded as one of the highest grossing films of the year, received rave reviews from film critics far and wide. The Los Angeles Times said, "the average audience is going to stand up and howl." The film, which was produced by and stars "the King of Daredevil Comedy" Harold Lloyd, went on to inspire two cinema classics, Ben Hur and The Graduate. The film is graciously on loan from the Harold Lloyd Trust.
"We are passionate about expanding our outreach and offering this lighthearted event to our community," shares Cecil Zerinque, a management consultant who is currently serving in his second term as PMDF president. "Our volunteer team is confident this effort will help make a difference in finding treatments and cures for this disease that affects Orange County residents and many others," he further explains.
The Parkinson's and Movement Disorder Foundation, headquartered in Fountain Valley, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those who suffer from movement disorders through research, education, and community outreach. The slowly progressive disease of the nervous system currently affects approximately 1.2 million people in the United States.
Purchase tickets through the Curtis Theatre at (714) 990-7722 or online at www.curtistheatre.com. For more information, contact event coordinator Sam Nasrawi at (714) 378-5076.