The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) and area celiac groups joined forces to make sure that celiac disease and gluten intolerance becomes well known in the Delaware Valley and beyond. Celiac Awareness Night broadcasted this message to a sold out crowd of 20,000 people at the Wachovia Center.

Included in the crowd on April 10th was a family from Melbourne, Australia. As part of their visit to Philadelphia, they got tickets to the Philadelphia 76ers-Cleveland Cavaliers game. Much to their surprise, they walked into Celiac Awareness Night and the chance to enjoy gluten-free food at the stadium.

Janette Wilson writes. “You can imagine my surprise as I entered the Center to find a ‘Celiac Awareness’ Information Stand and vendors selling a good range of GF food! It was the first time ever that I could have a hot dog, fries and more at a sports match. Thank you very much for making my night something very special! I couldn’t believe the coincidence that on the very night that we had arranged our tickets, the whole night was sponsored by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.”

Jeannette is a member of the Coeliac Society of Victoria, Australia.

NFCA was on hand to distribute information and Aramark teamed up with the Sixers to provide delicious gluten-free food from hot dogs to pasta.

Joining the fun were families from all of the Philadelphia Area celiac groups: Greater Phialdelphia Area Celiac Support Group, Childrens’ Celiac Center of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Celiac Sprue Association (CSA), R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids) , CEPA, a Connections Group of the Celiac Disease Foundation, F.A.C.T., Families Affected by Celiac and Type 1.

Look for Celiac Awareness Night 2010 for another evening of great sports and great gluten-free food!