Paula Abdul donates ringside ducats to Lupus charity eve, fetches $3k for cause
By Tom Wright

Paula donates Idol
finale tiks to Lupus

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 5/9/07 – Paula Abdul auctioned off her own front-row house seats for the “American Idol” finale for Lupus LA in what surely is a major bargain, compared to what they might have fetched on Ebay. The lucky winner paid $3,000 for the ringside ducats.

Yet Paula still has a seat onstage and Lupus sufferers are the beneficiaries as the silent auction took place at Lupus LA’s Loop Award ceremony, which honored “The Shield” producer Shawn Ryan and actress CCH Pounder for creating and portraying an ongoing character with the disease.

Paula was a surprise guest at the “Evening of Love, Light and Laughter” at the Beverly Hills Hotel last night. She showed up after the Idol taping to show support for the cause and longtime friend Pietra Thornton, sufferer and activist, and former Billy Bob spouse and playboy model.

“I’m here to support my good friend Pietra and Lupus LA projects, to give hope and help in raising the awareness of this disease that affects millions of women worldwide,” Abdul said. “I would like to donate to the Lupus LA for auction, two of my personnel house seats for the “American Idol” Show.

Also on hand were Michael Chiklis, John Salley, Shawn Ryan, Suzanne Whang and chairs Michelle and Alan Kaye.

Kelly Stone who is one of Lupus LA’s major supporters received the Michael Wayne Public Service Award. Lupus LA was formed seven years ago by Lupus specialist Daniel Wallace MD, to raise funds for the Lupus Research Institute. It is one of the country’s most prevalent, unpredictable and potentially fatal diseases. The autoimmune disease that affects over two million Americans, 90% of whom are women, is very difficult to diagnose and there is no cure. Lupus is a leading cause of stroke, kidney and premature cardiovascular disease in young women.