United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (UCP/NYC) held its Eighth Annual Women Who Care Luncheon, on May 5, 2009, celebrating the professional and personal accomplishments of women.
Women Who Care was created to honor female role models representing various segments of the community as a celebration of women who have blazed new paths, broken glass ceilings and inspired others through their professional and charitable endeavors.
Guests assembled for a fabulous luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street to honor six extraordinary individuals and raise money to support UCP/NYC programs and services.
This year's Women Who Care Luncheon honored legendary journalist Dan Rather, among others, and welcomed guests including Patricia Duff, Francine LeFrak, Susan Fales-Hill, Judy Gilbert, and Denise Rich . Donna Hanover once again kept the show going as the Master of Ceremonies.
Highlights of the afternoon's event included Dan Rather receiving the Luella Bennack Volunteer Award, presented by fellow Texan and CEO of the Hearst Corporation, Frank Bennack, while the Karen Hansen Caregiver Award was presented to Martha and Ellis Winston, a truly inspiring couple who have dedicated their lives to raising adopted and foster children with developmental disabilities, by Chad L. Coleman of HBO's The Wire and the Tony-nominated Joe Turner's Come and Gone.
Specially chosen poems were read by celebrity guests including Tony nominee Jennifer Damiano of Next to Normal, journalists Paula Zahn, Maria Hinojosa, and Ellen Levine, Editorial Director, Hearst Magazines. Poet and UCP/NYC poetry teacher, Professor Jennifer Bartlett read from her inspiring work and introduced UCP/NYC poets who have benefited from the Loreen Arbus Opportunity Scholarship awarded by the luncheon's founding chair, Loreen Arbus, to benefit the poetry and art programs.
Women Who Care guests bid on beautiful items from generous sponsors including luxury handbag designer Debbie Brooks, who sponsored this year's "Grab-A-Bag for UCP," and couture jeweler Gayle Grenadier, who donated a stunning gold and diamond cuff and emerald and diamond earrings.
The 2009 Women Who Care honorees are Margery E. Ames, Esq., Executive Director, InterAgency Council; Juliette G. Lam, IIDA, Senior Principal, Director of Interiors, HOK; and Judith A. Livingston, Esq., Partner, Kramer Dillof Livingston & Moore.
The efforts of honorary chair Cathleen Black, President, Hearst Magazines, founding chair Loreen Arbus, and co-chair Joan Jedell combined with the wonderful guests, presenters, honorees, sponsors, and hard-working staff and volunteers made make this year's Women Who Care Luncheon a rousing success!
For more information, visit the UCP of New York City Web site or contact Christy Wensley at (212) 683-6700 x201
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