N.J. developer organizes MS benefit.

On Oct. 24, stage, screen and recording star Bernadette Peters will perform in concert to raise money for the fight against Multiple Sclerosis. It is the third "Musical Moments for MS" benefit to be held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, following highly successful performances by pop singer Linda Ronstadt in 1998 and diva Bette Midler last June.

To date, more than $4 million has been raised for MS research, according to Livingston, N.J. real estate developer Murray Kushner whom, with his wife, Lee, has organized all three "Musical Moments" galas. Like many of his colleagues, Kushner donates to many charities. He has raised funds for the United Jewish Appeal of Metro West, contributed with other members of his family to the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy in Livingston and donated to various other charities through his company, Schenkman/Kushner Affiliates.

But when it comes to Multiple Sclerosis, Kushner takes a distinctly personal interest. Lee Kushner was stricken with the thus-far incurable disease of the central nervous system eight years ago. And while her condition is currently mild and not debilitating, the future is uncertain; MS is very unpredictable and can women at any time.

"Lee and I have learned a lot about MS since her diagnosis," Kushner points out. "We discovered that while drugs have become available in the past decade to treat the disease, they cannot cure it. There's still tremendous research needed to find a cure and that takes money -- a lot of it."

The first "Musical Moments for MS" raised $2 million to establish an endowed professorship in Multiple Sclerosis research at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). The second one brought in an additional $2.2 million.

"30th were fantastic evenings," recalls Lee Kushner, who has a mild case of MS that is being treated in a preventative way, which does not affect her high-energy lifestyle. "The way people responded was incredible. And for all indications, this year's benefit, presided over by master of ceremonies Martin Short, promises to top our previous efforts."

The new concert has again taken over the lives of both Kushners. Regular meetings are necessary to co-ordinate the myriad of medical, pharmaceutical and marketing professionals who have volunteered their time for the project. Hours are spent on the phone for fund-raising -- cajoling friends, obtaining new lists, making sure everything is on schedule.

"It's all-consuming," says Murray, who takes care of many of the details personally. "The minutia is unbelievable. But when everything finally comes together, it's worth it."

Last September, Dr. Stuart D. Cook, president of UMDNJ and internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of MS research, was named to the Ruth Dunietz Kushner and Michael J. Serwitz chair at UMDNJ's Neurological Institute of New Jersey.

"Several new MS researchers have been added to the Department of Neuroscience since the chair was established," says Dr. Cook, a pioneer in MS research who founded and served as chair of the department for 28 years prior to his appointment as UMDNJ president two years ago. "The department is also committed to recruiting a major figure in MS clinical research in the near future. And I have several major projects in mind using chair funds.

"Thanks to people like Lee and Murray Kushner, we have one of the world's most prominent MS Research Centers here in New Jersey, with a real opportunity to find a cure for this disease."

Gala Tickets priced at $500 each and $50 Third-Tier Tickets are still available for the Bernadette Peters Concert from 0' Mealia Special Events Headquarters by calling [phone]. Fourth-Tier tickets priced at $35 can be obtained directly through the NJPAC box office by calling (888) GO-NJPAC.