Local giver seeking a cure for Parkinson’s Disease

Newport Beach philanthropist James H. Warsaw, founder of the Cure

Parkinson’s Program, in association with the national “Giving Back

Fund,” announced the hiring of a chief executive following a national

search.

Max Wallace, former legal counsel to Duke University and a

recognized business leader in the bio-tech arena, will join the Cure

Parkinson’s Project to work with Warsaw in search of a cure.

“The program is ambitious, yet we are focused on finding a cure

for Parkinson’s Disease within three to five years,” said Marc

Pollick with the Giving Back Fund.

Warsaw is working to raise $268 million to fund research led by

neuroscientists to complete the mission in search of a cure. The

addition of Wallace to the team will advance efforts to serve the

needed funding for research.

“Wallace has joined us because he believes in the mission,” Warsaw

said. “This is not about big money, or big business, it’s about

saving and improving lives.”

“For the first time ever, scientists and leaders from biotech,

pharmaceuticals and academic medicine have agreed to work together,

share data and collaborate in the pursuit of bringing three novel

therapeutic drugs to the market to treat Parkinson’s,” Pollick said.

“We hope to accomplish this within the five-year time framework.”

For more information on Warsaw’s Cure Parkinson’s Project, call

(310) 649-5222.

CHINESE TRADEWINDS

The Chinese-American League of Orange County’s Pacific Symphony

Orchestra is preparing for a gala event on Feb. 21. “Tradewinds from

China,” part of the 2004 American Composers Festival, will be

presented to local benefactors of the orchestra at a grand evening

set to unfold at the Sutton Place Hotel in Newport Beach.

International opera star Oscar ZC Zhang will entertain the crowd,

brought together by dedicated league volunteers Arlene Chang,

Michelle Chen, Verna Chow, Niu Jiapyng, Helen Lin, Ellen Ong, Elena

Ross and Linda Tay. Janice and Ted Smith will emcee the evening of

dinner, dancing and entertainment. For tickets and information, call

the Chinese-American League at (714) 755-5788.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.