Every year, since the 16th Annual Huntington's Disease Society of America's [HDSA] Convention in San Diego June 2000, the HDSA National Youth Alliance [NYA] has held a Silent Auction immediately before the Awards Banquet on Saturday night. The primary purpose of this auction is for the NYA to raise funds for HD Research.  Two-thirds of that money goes towards HDSA's research projects and one-third goes to help support the NYA Annual Convention Scholarship Fund.  The NYA Convention Scholarship is open to any member of the NYA who, due to financial hardship, needs support attending a HDSA National Convention.

The Countdown - Today February 13, 2009

As everyone probably knows by now, the HDSA's 24^th National Convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. That is less than 17 weeks away!

Each year the NYA Silent Auction has been huge success! However, none of this would be possible without the generous support from our HD families, HD Chapters & Support Groups, the HD Centers of Excellence's, our family & friends as well as the dedication and hard work of all the NYA members!

However, the NYA needs your help!

Over the next few months the members of the HDSA National Youth Alliance will be using a letter from HDSA to collect items for the 2009 Silent Auction.  As family or friends, you can also help!  Without the many wonderful items donated by people such as you, the Silent Auction would not have been the success it has been!

In the past, people have brought autographed sports memorabilia from major teams in their state, made baskets filled with items representing their state, provided gift certificates to major department stores and/or restaurants, sent in hand-made quilts and so many other beautiful items. And, don't forget small toys, puzzles, stuffed animals, etc. for the children's table too!

Supporting the HDSA NYA 2009 Silent Auction is something you can do together as a family! Sometimes for under $10.00 or $20.00 you'll find that you can put together an item to donate for the NYA Silent auction and have fun with your family or friends making it! Homemade items have gone over really well at past NYA auctions!

Won't you please see what items you may have that you can donate to the 2009 NYA Silent Auction? Maybe it's time to clean out the attic for treasures you no longer use and bring them with you the national convention!

NYA's 2009 Silent Auction Committee Chairperson

If you think you can help in other ways, please contact me, Staci Nicholas.  I am the 2009 NYA Silent Auction Committee Chairperson and can be reached by email: spacystace9@...

NYA's Silent Auction Website

Please visit the NYA's 2009 Silent Auction link on HDSA's website for any updates to this notice: http://www.hdsa.org/nya

Mailing Donated Items for the 2008 NYA Silent Auction:

If, for any reason, you are unable to personally attend the HDSA national convention, you can still help by mailing donated items. Mailed items should be put in the mail to be received no later than May 28, 2009 and be sent to:

HDSA

505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902
New York, NY 10018

Attention: Mynelly Perez

                                     Mark for: 2009 NYA Silent Auction

If you have any questions, Mynelly can be contacted by calling HDSA 1-800-345-4372 Extension 214 or by email: mperez@....

HDSA's NYA 2009 Silent Auction Letter

Barbara T. Boyle, Executive Director/CEO of the Huntington's Disease Society of America will be writing a letter that introduces NYA members who will be soliciting donations from local merchants. That letter, along with the 2009 NYA Silent Auction flyer, is available on the HDSA website. Please click here to download it.  These can be used by any NYA member to provide to any organization they will be visiting to collect items. Remember, any young person, ages 9 through 29, can use this letter and help!

HDSA's 24^th Annual National Convention

For information on the HDSA 24th annual convention, and how to register to attend, please visit HDSA's website www.hdsa.org or contact Robert Coffey at HDSA 1-800-345-4372 Extension 210 or via email coffeyr@...

Won't you consider sharing this message with your family & friends to ask if they can help out the 2009 Huntington's Disease National Youth Alliance Silent Auction?

Thank you!

Staci Nicholas

2009 NYA Silent Auction Chairperson