Seattle Mariners and Boeing Employee Credit Union Join the MS Express to Benefit Multiple Sclerosis
The Seattle Mariners and BECU announced today that they have joined the MS Express, inviting the event’s founder Carlo Magno of The Spirit of Hope Foundation to throw out the first pitch in the Mariners’ June 5 game against Kansas City.
Anacortes, WA (PRWEB) May 23, 2006
In conjunction with BECU’s Family Night, the baseball game will be Magno’s first official stop along the MS Express, his 4,300 mile, cross-country journey in an antique electric wheelchair. En route to New York City, Magno and assistance dog Katie will travel across the northern United States to raise awareness for handicapped accessibility issues and $1 million for Multiple Sclerosis.
“Since I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis nine years ago, it has been my dream to throw out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game just to prove I could do it,” Magno said. “Coupled with the launch of the MS Express, I couldn’t ask for more. I have the Mariners and BECU to thank for making this dream come true.”
When they learned of Magno and his courageous trip, the Seattle Mariners and BECU were quick to team up in support of the MS Express.
“Mr. Mango’s courageous trip represents the credit union spirit of people helping people,” said Tom Berquist, BECU Vice President of Marketing. “Asking him to throw out the first pitch during our June 5 Family Night seemed a fitting way to send him off.”
“The Seattle Mariners are thrilled to support Carlo and the MS Express,” Rebecca Hale, Director of Public Information for the Mariners added. “His mission is a challenging one, but we believe Carlo can do it. We wish him much success in reaching his goals.”
Founded by Carlo Magno, The Spirit of Hope Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation dedicated to raising awareness for handicapped accessibility and quality of life issues. The foundation is committed to helping affected individuals to maintain independence, physical health, and emotional well-being through resource networking. Magno has received dozens of endorsements, including support from Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, the City of Anacortes, the Seattle Mariners, and BECU.
For more information about The Spirit of Hope Foundation or the MS Express, visit the foundation’s Web site at www. thespiritofhope. org or contact Dana Blozis at 360-920-1737.
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