Gluten-Free Cooking Spree Brings Top Chefs, Medical Professionals, and Media Into the Kitchen to Compete for the Best Gluten-Free Dish

WHAT: The Gluten-Free Cooking Spree brings together medical and lifestyle aspects of celiac disease to educate attendees about this autoimmune disorder that affects 1 in 133 people. Over 1500 guests will enjoy gluten-free food as ten teams that consist of 25 of Philadelphia's top chefs and doctors compete to create the best gluten-free dish. Gluten-free samples and coupons will be freely distributed by 50 vendors.
 
WHY: An estimated three million Americans have celiac disease, but only 1 in every 4700 with the disease receives an accurate diagnosis. Left untreated, people with celiac disease can develop further complications such as other autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, thyroid disease and some cancers. This event helps educate and raise awareness for the screening amongst medical professionals, children and adults.
 
WHEN: September 30, 2009
               6:30–9:00 p.m.
 
WHERE: Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA.
 
HOW: To attend the Gluten-Free Cooking Spree, online RSVP is available at www.celiaccentral.org. Admission fees are $100, or $35 for students. The VIP reception is $250. Fees will be waived for media.

WHO: Alice Bast, founder of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, is available for interviews prior to the event, and she will join staff members at the Gluten-Free Cooking Spree to answer questions and provide materials and resources.
 
BACKGROUND: The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding for celiac disease that will advance research, education and screening amongst medical professionals, children and adults. Visit www.celiaccentral.org for more information.