The Arthritis Foundation will hold its annual Black Tie Gala Event on Saturday, October 18, 2008, at The Field Museum in Chicago. The Black Tie Gala, now in its nineteenth year, is established as a special evening of recognition attracting more than 500 medical and business professionals.

At the event, Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush joint replacement surgeon Dr. Galante will be honored with the Freedom of Movement Award for his outstanding service to the Arthritis Foundation. Previous recipients of the Freedom of Movement Award include Dr. Rowland W. Chang, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Steve Cochran of WGN Radio, and football great Joe Namath.

Funds raised for the gala will go to continuing support of arthritis research, education and programs both at the national and local levels. Tickets are $350 per person or $3,500 for a table of ten guests. For further information including underwriting opportunities, contact Mary Poland at (312) 372-2080 ex. 23 or go to www.arthritis.org keyword "Chicago."

About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, nonprofit health organization helping people take greater control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases—the nation's number one cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation is the largest nongovernmental funder of arthritis research in the world. Since 1948, the Arthritis Foundation has provided nearly $350 million to arthritis-related research through its nationally recognized peer-review research award program. For free information on improving health and limiting the impact of arthritis, contact the Arthritis Foundation at 1-800-735-0096 or www.arthritis.org.

Contact:
Sharon Tatom Garcia
Arthritis Foundation, Greater Chicago Chapter
312-372-2080 ext. 30
statom@arthritis.org