The Dussin Group's Old Spaghetti Factory "Shamrocks Against Dystrophy" Campaign Raises Record $100,000 Nationwide for Muscular Dystrophy Association

PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwire - Apr 13, 2011) - The Dussin Group's Old Spaghetti Factory restaurant chain continues to shine as champion for families living with progressive muscle diseases in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington. The company has participated in MDA's national "Shamrocks Against Dystrophy" program since 2005 and raised a record $100,000 this year bringing their total raised nationwide since joining the program to over $300,000.

Having achieved a 51 percent increase over the prior year's successful "Shamrock's Against Dystrophy" promotion, the community-oriented restaurant chain also provides the backdrop for several MDA Lock-Ups, provides free catering to multiple MDA summer camps and MDA holiday parties.

"We are very proud of what we do at The Dussin Group," said Chris Hein, Vice President of Marketing. "All of our team members worked very hard and our guests were very supportive to help us raise money for the MDA. It's great to be a part of making a difference in the lives of the people that are affected by muscular dystrophy."

The money raised by Old Spaghetti Factory patrons and employees helps MDA speed worldwide research seeking treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and more than 40 other neuromuscular diseases. It also helps fund MDA clinics, MDA summer camps and MDA support groups in the fourteen states where Old Spaghetti Factory operates. In Oregon, Old Spaghetti Factory annually supplies food for hundreds of youngsters and volunteers involved in the weeklong MDA camp where every activity is tailored to meet the special needs of campers living with muscular dystrophy and related disorders.

"We are so grateful for what Old Spaghetti Factory does for MDA, and continue to be impressed by the company's incredible efforts in fourteen states," said MDA President & CEO Gerald C. Weinberg. "Old Spaghetti Factory's participation in our national Shamrocks Against Dystrophy program is an outstanding cause marketing partner. The families we serve are blessed indeed to have Old Spaghetti Factory 'Make a Muscle, Make a Difference' for MDA."

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy, and education. The first nonprofit organization to be awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Association "for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity," MDA's programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors. MDA maintains a network of 200 hospital-affiliated clinics to serve families living with any of the 43 different neuromuscular diseases. For information regarding MDA clinics in your area, please visit http://www.mda.org/clinics/.