Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter Named Chapter of the Year for Second Year in a Row

NEWPORT BEACH, CA -- The ALS Association has recognized the Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter as Chapter of the year for the second consecutive year at the 2008 Annual Conference in Newport Beach, California.

The Catfish Chapter, which provides services to over 600 people living with ALS in North Carolina, was recognized for its overall excellence in management, leadership development, fundraising, community outreach, patient services, advocacy, research funding, and working effectively with the National Office.

The Chapter also won both the Iron Horse Award for outstanding revenue development and expense management and Top Walk Revenue for Market Group 3 for the second year in a row.

Along with the awards mentioned above, the Chapter also won awards for "Excellence In Advocacy," "Brand Identity & Public Awareness," "Best Walk Media," and "Top Performing Eastern Region Chapter." In winning the "Top Performing Eastern Region Chapter" award for the Walks, the Catfish Chapter will receive a Permobil® power wheelchair, valued at $30,000, for the Chapter loan closet. Overall, the Catfish Chapter more than doubled the number of awards it won last year.

“Our donors, volunteers, board members and staff will do whatever it takes to conquer this disease," said Jerry Dawson, President of the Catfish Chapter. "I think these awards are a testament to the selfless dedication of our team. We will use these awards to generate more excitement around our important work and we will not stop until we have a cure and every person with ALS has the care that they need.”