Old Car Heaven Revs Engines to Benefit UAB Liver Center May 16

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Liver Center wants to take you on a stroll down memory lane to benefit its patient education, outreach and acquisition of new technologies.

May 1, 2009

• Chance to win 1957 Ford Thunderbird

• White two-seat convertible

• Comes with hard and soft top

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Liver Center wants to take you on a stroll down memory lane to benefit its patient education, outreach and acquisition of new technologies.

Birmingham's Old Car Heaven, home to some of the of the most rare and collectible Chryslers, Plymouths and Dodges, is opening its doors for "Fins, Fenders and Fun" at 6 p.m., Saturday, May 16 to showcase not only its classic cars but the work of the UAB Liver Center team, headed by center Director Joseph Bloomer, M.D., and liver transplant Medical Director Brendan McGuire, M.D.

The benefit, which includes music, diner-themed food, a silent auction and even some Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Porsches, is for the UAB Liver Center's Viral Hepatitis Support Fund that helps underwrite the center's highest priorities. Tickets are $125 and must be purchased by May 11. Dress code is casual - no ties. For tickets or more information, call 205-975-5659 or e-mail samika@uab.edu.

The Viral Hepatitis Support Fund expands the UAB Liver Center's efforts to treat patients with viral hepatitis; to educate newly diagnosed patients and their families, as well as those living with chronic conditions and those who may require liver transplantation; to support outreach efforts aimed at preventing the spread of viral hepatitis among children and teens; and to help recruit and retain the best liver specialists at UAB.

The biggest auction item is a 57 Ford Thunderbird. The starting bid is $25,000. It's a white, two-seat convertible with both a cloth and hard top. The car was donated by Jimmy Skinner of Birmingham's Jim Skinner Ford. Other auction items include car detailing, tire rotation and balance, a cookbook, gym membership, food gift certificates, a round of golf, a spa package and more. For a complete list of items go to http://gastro.dom.uab.edu/livercenter/dinner/auction.html.

About UAB

The UAB Liver Center pioneers new treatments for liver and biliary tract disease. It offers specialized care through outpatient clinics and its inpatient hepatology service at UAB Hospital. The center also actively conducts basic science and clinical research activities. The UAB Liver Transplant Program has been ranked in the top 10 for patient survival rates and has performed more than 1,200 transplants. Its one-year survival rate is greater than 92 percent.