The Original Gino’s East of Chicago, celebrating its 40th Anniversary, will host a silent auction, featuring a unique array of autographed Chicago Cubs paraphernalia and memorabilia, including a white “W” Flag signed by the entire team, to benefit The Michael Barrett Foundation. The auction will be held from Tuesday, May 1, through Sunday, May 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Gino’s East restaurant at 162 E. Superior Street. Fans are invited to come into the restaurant to bid on the items. The auction will culminate in a Michael Barrett fan Meet & Greet on Sunday, May 6, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 
         
Proceeds from the auction, sponsored by the Chicago Cubs catcher who has joined the Gino’s East restaurant “team” for 2007, will help fund Project 3000, the nonprofit organization which Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee established to find a cure for Lebers Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a form of blindness which afflicts Lee’s daughter. 

Fans who attend the May 6th Meet & Greet can participate in the silent auction until its conclusion at 9:00 p.m. They will also be able to purchase Michael-Barrett-autographed baseballs for 25-dollars each and/or have a photo taken with Barrett and autographed by him for ten–dollars each – on a time-permitting basis.

In addition to the “W” Flag, other auction items will include a Michael Barrett catcher’s mitt, chest protector and cleats; Cubs jerseys, bats, and balls autographed by various players, including former player Ron Santo and manager Lou Piniella; and four tickets and a field pass to a Cubs game for the 2007 season. Winning bidders who are not present at the Michael Barrett Meet & Greet will be contacted by Gino’s East.
           
The Original Gino’s East of Chicago opened in 1966 when two taxi drivers and a friend, frustrated with rush hour traffic, decided to open a pizzeria at 162 E. Superior Street, just off Michigan Avenue. Since then, the restaurant that became an instant legend with local Chicagoans, national celebrities and visitors from around the world, has expanded to 12 locations, including the Gold Coast; River North; Lakeview; O’Hare Plaza; Orland Park; Rolling Meadows; St. Charles; Naperville; Lake Zurich; Wheaton; Libertyville; and Deerfield, IL.

          For inquiries about group sales and private parties call 312-266-5421. For more information visit the Gino’s East Web site at www.ginoseast.com.