SCHERERVILLE | A day of bidding on jewelry, spa packages and more has translated into a hefty donation for a good cause.

Fred and Josh Halpern, the father-son duo from Albert's Diamond Jewelers, presented a $67,000 check Friday to the Indiana chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The donation was raised through the jewelry store's annual Live and Silent Auction for Multiple Sclerosis, which took place at the end of October.

Albert's is a top corporate donor to the organization, said Jean Kraus, director of the Indiana chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Their generosity benefits people diagnosed with MS statewide by funding programs, research and medical costs, she said.

More than 7,400 Indiana residents live with MS.

It affects one in 700 people. Women and those between 20 and 40 years old most commonly are diagnosed with the disease, said Mindy Sparling, community development manager of northern Indiana for the state chapter.

Sparling, who has MS, said she is particularly moved by such a large donation.

"Donations like this have a special place in my heart, because I have a little insight on what our patients are going through," she said.

The cause also is close to Fred Halpern, whose wife, Donna, has MS.

"I love my wife, and my wife is sick," he said. "You just have to step up and do things."

Josh Halpern said that as soon as people hear about an Albert's fundraiser, they want to get involved.

MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. There is treatment but no cure.

Aside from raising money through the annual auction, Fred Halpern has completed bike rides, marathons and triathlons to raise money for MS causes.

Albert's, formerly located in East Chicago, also gave back to the community by donating championship rings in August to the East Chicago Central High School basketball team, who won the state Class 4A championship.