Chargers raises funds for Huntington’s Disease

Chargers players and their fans were among the enormous crowd of supporters attending a fund-raising gala at the El Cortez Hotel recently. The event - “A Night at the Copa” - raised much-needed funds in the fight against Huntington’s Disease. Proceeds from the posh affair were earmarked for the care and research programs of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. Chargers Pro Bowl Tight End Antonio Gates and the team’s entire Offensive Line were honored as “Huntington’s heroes.”

Guests dressed to the nines in glamorous 1940s-style finery to complement the sophistication of the Copacabana nightclub in its heyday. Music from the ‘40s accompanied the delicious dinner prepared by Guiseppe Fine Catering of La Jolla.

La Jolla’s own Gigi Goldman co-chaired the successful event with Shannon Alford. Susie and Dean Spanos (members of the Advisory Board) were unable to attend, but their staunch support of the organization was acknowledged by Board President Bill Johnston during the program.

Among the many locals on hand to help fight Huntington’s (a genetic brain disorder that affects about 30,000 Americans) were Marge and Paul Palmer, Nan Pace, William and Emily Kilpatrick, Julie and Reed Rosling, Jack Berkman (a board member), Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner, Allan and Jane Rappoport, Hank Bauer, and Ben and Ann Haddad.