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Annual rock(n)research benefits children by Heather Woolwine Public Relations The Darby Children’s Research Institute (DCRI) held its second rock(n)research benefit  in April at the Gaillard auditorium, and raised more than $115,000 to benefit pediatric research.   The  event, presented by Select Health of South Carolina, featured chefs from some of the Lowcountry’s finest and noteworthy restaurants.    Small hand-built wooden rocking horses, painted and decorated by local artists and celebrities from around the country, were auctioned to the highest benefactor in order to help raise the impressive total.   Rocking horse artists included: NBC’s Today Show hosts, REM band members; film actors Matthew McConaughey and Michelle Torres; model Cindy Crawford, Italian opera star Andre Bocelli; singers/songwriters Billy Joel and Justin Timberlake, artisans from Felice Designs, local artist Mark Horton, and football coaches Steve Spurrier from USC and Tommy Bowden from Clemson.   Meanwhile, Mary Wilson of “The Supremes” fame sang classics like “Stop in the Name of Love,” “Baby Love,” and “Love Child,” to an audience that paid $250 to enjoy the old popular Motown hits and support the DCRI .   The DCRI is one of only 15 similar institutions in the country, but it is the largest of its kind in the South. In its first year, the DCRI boasted 81 new discoveries for pediatric medicine, and will continue to bring the latest treatments for diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, and diabetes to sick children throughout the Southeast.   In addition, DCRI held its first benefactors’ forum in April to update benefactors on what has been done with their monetary contributions. “It was a well-received event that included those who’ve been supporting us during the last five years,” said Children’s Hospital Fund advisory board chairman Tom McNally. “We updated our benefactors about what’s been going on in the hospital and the research institute during the last 14 months from a research, clinical, and parent/patient perspective. We believe that if we keep our supporters informed, if we show them we’re doing the things we said we were going to do, then they will want to continue supporting us.”   McNally acknowledged that without donations, the DCRI could not have propelled to such heights in its inaugural year, nor will it meet future goals without the generosity of others. “Benefactors make it work and for that we’re all extremely grateful,” he said.   During the forum, Lyndon Key, M.D., pediatrics chairman, provided examples of discoveries that could not have occurred without the structure and convenience of the DCRI.   Bernard Maria, M.D., DCRI executive director, discussed the teamwork among individual and groups of scientists with clinicians, thus resulting in the new discoveries as a result of 11 research programs housed in the DCRI.   Phil Saul, M.D., Children’s Hospital medical director, addressed advances in pediatric care during the last century that connect findings at the bench to delivery of care at the bedside. “The translation of research findings into new medical practices for children is a time-honored mechanism that now has full momentum in the DCRI and Children’s Hospital,” he said.   “The baby is walking and talking, and investigators have attracted more than $23 million in research funding for children’s research, more than double the previous record,” Maria said.   For more information on the Children’s Hospital Fund and the Children’s Research Institute, visit http://www.musckids.com.    Thank you sponsors The DCRI, the MUSC Children’s Hospital, and the Children’s Hospital Fund would like to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you to the numerous and dedicated sponsors of this year’s event.   Select Health of South Carolina; Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Hancock; Mr. and Mrs. Tom McNally; The Renken Family; Y102.5; The Drive @ 100.5; News Radio 94.3 WSC FM; McElveen Pontiac Buick GMC Hummer; Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Weitz; Mr. and Mrs. John P. Hammond; Wilton; CT; Mr. and Mrs. Tony Woody; Nexsen Pruet, LLC; The Pamela and Leslie Muma Family Foundation; InnerLogic Inc.; Mrs. Frances Hegenberger; Ravenel Custom Homes; Hanckel Marine; Charleston magazine; Heery International; West Ashley Toyota/ Northside Nissan; Pearlstine Distributors Inc.; Georgia Bell Realtor (Prudential); The Urban Electric Co.; PDA; Irvin-House Vineyards; and Big Pic Entertainment.   Friday, June 2, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island papers at 849-1778, ext. 201.