March 15, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Christin Michalski
(530) 263-0691

Cal Poly Wheelchair Foundation Hosts 4th Annual Gift of Mobility
Students to Deliver Mobility to Disabled Guatemalan Orphans

SAN LUIS OBISPO – The Cal Poly student chapter of the Wheelchair Foundation will host its fourth annual fund-raiser, “The Gift of Mobility,” at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, April 9, at Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo .

The event will feature a live and silent auction as well as wine tasting, live jazz music, and a sit-down dinner catered by Popolo Restaurant. Auction items have been donated by several local businesses throughout San Luis Obispo County and include art, jewelry, clothing, Hearst Castle tours, hotel stays, sporting goods and services, and more.

Proceeds will help Cal Poly Wheelchair Foundation team members meet their fund-raising goal of $22,000. At a cost of $75 per wheelchair, the money raised will allow them to order, purchase and deliver 280 new wheelchairs to orphans in Guatemala .

Cal Poly Wheelchair Foundation team member, and Event Manager, Natalie Watson is proud to be part of a project that will improve the quality of life for 280 children. “These kids have limited access to education and limited opportunities,” said Watson. “It's a wonderful feeling to be a part of making life easier for those less fortunate than I am."

The team has already raised $10,000 to fund the event so that all proceeds from the event will go to purchasing 280 wheelchairs.

“We want our guests to understand that by walking through the front door of the winery, the night of the event, they have provided mobility for Guatemalan children,” said Maureen Lamb, corporate sponsor manager.

Tickets for “Gift of Mobility” are $85. For those unable to attend the event, monetary donations will be accepted. All donors contributing $75 or more will receive a photo and brief history of the child receiving their gift.

To purchase tickets, make a donation, or for more information, contact Watson at (949) 677-0598 or calpoly_wheelchairfoundation@yahoo.com

This year's Cal Poly Wheelchair Foundation team includes: Robin Cho, Los Angeles ; Alexis Guancione, Fremont ; Maureen Lamb, Camarillo ; Christin Michalski, Nevada City ; Roslyn Riddell, Monterey ; Samantha Ruiz, San Mateo ; Mili Shah, Fremont ; Natalie Watson, Dana Point ; Audrey Watson, Dana Point .

Additional Information

The Cal Poly Wheelchair Foundation
The Cal Poly Chapter of the Wheelchair Foundation began in April 2001 as a way for students to apply their educational experiences to beneficial causes. www.cob.calpoly.edu/hot/wheelchair05/

The Wheelchair Foundation
The Wheelchair Foundation is a nonprofit organization leading an international effort to deliver a wheelchair to every adult, teen and child in the world who needs a wheelchair, but cannot afford one. The gift of a wheelchair allows people with physical disabilities freedom, self-reliance, mobility and hope. For additional information go to www.wheelchairfoundation.org

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