MILLERSVILLE, MD, December 8, 2003 -- Tim Horrigan, president of the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration, announced today that the association will conduct a live auction at its 2004 Annual Convention to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. Horrigan's goal is to generate $15,000 for Ronald McDonald Houses from the event.

Jimmy Murray, a founder of the first Ronald McDonald House and the former general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, has accepted an invitation to speak at the convention in conjunction with the auction. Murray is known throughout the world as an "ambassador" for Ronald McDonald Houses and is an entertaining and engaging speaker.

The auction is the latest chapter in the evolving partnership between the two organizations. Earlier this year, ASCR launched a program to pair its members, who volunteer their services, with Ronald McDonald Houses in need of cleaning and restoration. More than 60 ASCR-member companies signed on within 48 hours of receiving the initial proposal.

"Ronald McDonald Houses help families of seriously ill children, which resonates with our members because so many of them have children of their own," said Horrigan. "In fact, we're learning that many members of the extended ASCR family have benefited from the hospitality of Ronald McDonald Houses themselves."

Generating an extensive list of donated items for auction is the first step in reaching the $15,000 goal, according to Horrigan. Any item of value is welcome and he urged ASCR members and exhibitors to stretch their imaginations in coming up with ideas. Items already pledged range from a weekend at a seaside condominium, complete with an oceangoing yacht, to resort vacations, to a bushel of Maryland crabs.

The auction will take place on the evening of March 10, 2004. The ASCR Convention will be held at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo. from March 9-13, 2004.