`FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Second Annual Wine Tasting Offers Economic Friends & Family Pass
For Wine Connoisseurs And Their Favorite Dining Companions

     HARTFORD, Conn. - Hartford’s finest restaurants and the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter are partnering to present the second annual A Taste of Hope a wine and gourmet food tasting to benefit those in Connecticut battling the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease affecting the central nervous system.

Co-hosted by the Connecticut Lodging & Restaurant Associations, the event, featuring fine wine and sumptuous cuisine prepared by some of Connecticut’s most renowned chefs, will be held at ON20 a new restaurant at One State Str., in Hartford, Conn., on Thursday, Nov. 1, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. (rescheduled from an originally publicized September 26 date).

“More than 6,000 Connecticut residents have multiple sclerosis,” said Kristen Mauro, event coordinator. “Sometimes, when the need is greatest, some residents with MS find themselves without the support they need. When these situations present, it’s vital we respond swiftly to provide helpful programs and services. The proceeds from this exciting event will benefit the Greater Connecticut Chapter Care Management Program.”

The wine tasting event will include culinary delicacies prepared by chefs from Connecticut’s premier restaurants, including State Street Café, MAX Downtown, Season’s, Hawthorne Inn, ON20, Metro Bis, Vivo and others.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds will help fund the Greater Connecticut Chapter Care Management Program,” said Lisa Gerrol, chapter president. “This program was established to help the most needy and vulnerable those with MS struggling to care for themselves, while at the same time trying to navigate complex economic and healthcare-related resources. We provide those with MS and their caregivers with information and support to live as independently as possible, hopefully preventing costly and premature institutionalization.”

As it did in 2006, The Gibney Family Foundation, a foundation providing grants to non-profit organizations demonstrating an outstanding ability to empower those who are challenged, particularly the blind, will match up to $15,000, funds raised at A Taste of Hope.

For more information, please contact Kristen Mauro, development specialist, at (860) 714-2300, ext. 224 or e-mail at kmauro@ctfightsMS.org. Tickets are $75 and are available online in limited quantities by going to www.ctfightsMS.org. Friends & Family passes are available for $50 per ticket when purchased in quantities of four or more and must be purchased by phone at (860) 714-2300. Tickets can also be purchased by phone by calling (860) 714-2300. For more information on the Greater Connecticut Chapter Care Management Program, please e-mail programs@ctfightsMS.org.

9/25/07