By Kaira Headrick

Patrick Mercier, Pres./CEO, BEA, Pat Joseph, Executive Director, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Tom Poljak, Pres., Black Bear Publishing

Scott Spector, Sales Manager, American Airlines and Kim Schneider

Emery Feldman and father, Bob Feldman, Honorary Spokesmen

Kevin Glavin, Honorary Chairman, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (left), Yves Carreau, Co-Owner, Asiago Restaurant (right)

The Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation recently held their fifth annual A Passion for Wine event at the stunning PPG Wintergarden. Over the past five years this event has raised over a half million dollars for cystic fibrosis research and patient care. The 2004 A Passion for Wine event was a record-breaking success as generous sponsors and guests sipped fine wines and bid on fantastic wine and travel packages. This year's event was presented by BEA, The Shepherd Foundation and Bovenizer Family, American Airlines - the official airline sponsor, and Niebaum Coppola - the official wine sponsor. MSA, Fisher Scientific, Mascaro Corporation, Jendoco, EMC2, Respironics and Seubert & Associates rounded out this year's family of sponsors.

It was an evening of community building and giving as some of the world's finest wines were combined with some of Pittsburgh's most generous tasters. Guests enjoyed the superior cuisine prepared and served by the culinary masters of Asiago Restaurant, and expanded the sharing as they complimented the gourmet meal with the fascinating tastes of Niebaum Coppolla. It was a special evening as guests bid on one-of-a-kind wines donated and signed by celebrities, award-winning restaurateurs, winery owners and respected collectors.

Everyone in attendance enjoyed the lavish affair, but never forgot the event's sole purpose - awareness of the aggressive search for a cure to this life-threatening genetic disease that affects approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is caused by a defective gene that causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections and impairs digestion. Currently there is no cure. CF Foundation-supported scientists, however, are writing a remarkable medical success story. They are quickly translating information from the laboratory - such as knowledge about the inner workings of CF cells - into promising new strategies for therapies. In fact, more clinical trials are underway on new CF drugs than ever before in our history.

In recognition of its work, the CF Foundation has been cited by such publications as SmartMoney and Forbes as one of the top health organizations in the country in terms of its efficiency and innovative approach to curing a genetic disease.

The path to curing CF is paved with numerous research opportunities - any one of which could have a profound impact on the lives of those with the disease. With the help and support of the patrons and donors at the A Passion for Wine, additional funds were raised to support the life-saving research ensuring greater quality of life and improved futures that children and adults with CF deserve.

For more information on how to support this worthy cause and or how to donate your time or money visit www.cff.org and click on CFF Chapters or call them direct at 412.321.4422.