Karaoke Night slated to raise money for rare blood disease

By Owen Boss

GARDNER — The Gardner Ale House is holding a Karaoke Night today aimed at raising money and awareness about hereditary angioedema — a rare but life-threatening blood disease — through donating 10 percent of each customers bill to the Hereditary Angioedema Association. The coordinator of the event, Michelle Boynton, said she has been actively involved in raising money for researching a cure because of the tremendous effect the disease has had on her life. “I am really trying to raise awareness; I have lost five of my aunts, two cousins, and my niece just recently had a miscarriage as a result of it,” said Ms. Boynton. “I am very much involved with the board of the association and fundraising and raising awareness of the disease because it is so rare.” The disease, which affects approximately 6,000 Americans a year, is a serious problem with the immune system that is passed down through families. It causes swelling, particularly of the face and airways, and abdominal cramping. Although she expects the funding to be used primarily for research, Ms. Boynton is also hoping to fund the development of a new drug that she says seems very promising. “I want to use some of the proceeds for research and for funding for C1INH, a new drug they have made to treat the disease,” said Ms. Boynton. “There are several pharmaceutical companies that are producing it, and it has a 100 percent success rate so far.” Owner of the Ale House, Rick Walton, said the restaurant tries to host events like these about once a month, and sees it as an opportunity to give back to the community. “We don’t make any money on this, if anything we will lose some money, but when it is for a good cause, we are always willing to get involved,” said Mr. Walton, who said he plans to rearrange the layout of the restaurant for the karaoke event which will be between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Karaoke equipment will be provided by 116 Entertainment, and Ms. Boynton said guests are invited to choose their favorite songs and get behind the microphone. “There is going to be speakers and lights and all kinds of stuff,” said Ms. Boynton. “I have friends who can actually sing so I won’t torture anyone too much, but I think it will be a blast. All of the karaoke events I’ve attended with 116 Entertainment have been a lot of fun.” oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 3 on 7/29/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 178)