WARRENDALE — Is that old statue in the closet a valued treasure, a treasured memory or just a piece of porcelain gathering dust?

Those attending the Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania's Antiques Road Show on April 29 will learn about the value of such treasures while making a difference in people's lives.

The fundraising event held at the Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North, is based on the Public Broadcasting Service's "Antiques Road Show," which features antique experts who travel around the country appraising attic treasures.

Similarly, experts will be available at the fundraiser to appraise jewelry, vintage holiday wares, trains, toys, art, silver, kitchen collectibles, pottery, glassware, porcelain, figurines, guns, swords, knives, outdoor gear, cameras, records, clocks, watches and coins.

For the $25 cost of admission, those attending can have one antique evaluated. A second item can be evaluated for an additional $15.

Tickets must be purchased by April 23.

Milton Race, who operates the Glass Onion shop in Penn Township, is one of the experts volunteering his time.

Race specializes in glassware, pottery and porcelain and has been in the antiques business for more than 14 years.

"You acquire the knowledge through years in the business and reading through hundreds of reference books," he said.

The process Race uses to evaluate an item includes first locating markings from the manufacturer.

"I'm looking for dead giveaways to who and when it was produced," he said.

Race also looks at the item's shape, since different shapes reflect different time periods. Color, ornamentation and style also provide clues, he said.

Barbara Haas, board vice president of the Myasthenia Gravis Association, said this is the first time it has held a fundraiser of this type.

She introduced the idea after participating in a similar event in Chicago, where she previously resided.

Also part of the show will be an educational program by auctioneer Jack Dill, who will discuss the background and value of various items.

Evans City auctioneer Jack Morgan will give advice on getting maximum value for your goods at auction and how to handle estate auctions and liquidations.

All proceeds will benefit the association and patients who have the incurable auto-immune disease, which attacks the neurological message systems that control muscles.

Muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking and swallowing are often involved in the disorder. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements also can be affected, with walking and vision sometimes impaired.

The disease often occurs in young women and middle-aged men.

"The disease is really hard on families. Mothers with the disease can't hold their children for fear that they will drop them," said Haas.

"Their lives are very fragile."

For tickets, send a check or money order to the MGA Association, 1515 Locust St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or call 412-566-1545.

<B>WHAT: </B>The Myasthenia Gravis Association's Antiques Road Show featuring antique appraisals and hors d'oeuvres<B>WHEN: </B>1 to 4 p.m. April 29<B>WHERE: </B>Four Points by Sheraton Pittsburgh North, 910 Sheraton Drive, Warrendale<B>COST: </B>Advanced $25 tickets are required by sending a check or money order to MGA, 1515 Locust St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or by calling 412-566-1545. Ticket deadline is April 23.