The Women Who Care Luncheon is a celebration of women who have blazed new paths, broken glass ceilings, and inspired others through their professional and charitable endeavors. For the past four years, United Cerebral Palsy of New York City has had the excitement and pleasure of honoring exceptional women. Here are highlights from our last two Luncheons.

2004 honorees included: Anne Sweeney, President, Disney-ABC Television and Co-Chair, Media Networks The Walt Disney Company; Regina Kulik Scully, Founder & CEO, Rpr Marketing Communications & CareerPeeks Foundation, and Saundra Parks, Chairman & Creative Director, Daily Blossom. Susan Kaskel received the Luella Bennack Volunteer Award for her long-time service to UCP/NYC. The event’s marquee award, the Karen Hansen Caregiver Award, was presented to Willie Mae Goodman, who has advocated for the rights of people with disabilities for nearly 50 years.

In 2005 our honorees were Tonja Walker, Actor and Producer; Candace Matthews, President, SoftSheen-Carson; and Shawnna, Recording Artist. The Luella Bennack Volunteer Award was presented to Elly Hammerman for her dedicated service to women and children with disabilities. Helene F. Craner, Karen T. Schlesinger and Tondra Lynford, founders of Resources for Children with Special Needs were honored with the Karen Hansen Caregiver Award.

Each year, the Loreen Arbus Opportunity Scholarship is awarded to a young woman who attends a UCP/NYC program. The 2004 scholarship was awarded to Shaniqua Freeman to help her fulfill her dream of becoming a manicurist and owning a wheelchair accessible nail salon. Shaniqua attends the UCP/NYC Manhattan Adult program. The 2005 winner is Alexis Simpkins. With her scholarship, Alexis will attend a summer camp for teens with special needs and receive home modifications and equipment that will allow for greater mobility, giving her the independence and freedom that all teenagers desire.

Celebrity guests and award presenters of the past two years included: Helen Gurley Brown, Kathryn Chenault, Matilda Cuomo, Miss U.S.A. Shandi Finnessey, Dayle Haddon, Susan Lucci, S. Epatha Merkerson, Audrey Quock, Dan Rather, Deborah Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Marlo Thomas, Tamara Tunie, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, and Donna Hanover, who serves as the event’s master of ceremonies.

Cathleen Black, President of Hearst Magazines, is honorary chair of the Luncheon and Patricia Ganzi and Loreen Arbus serve as the event Co-Chairs. The Executive Committee includes: Madeline Boyd, Connie Cranch, Maggie Craddock, Felicia Daniels, Alice Davidson, Richard Donovan, Lora Ellenson, Richard Ellenson, Sheila Grant-Rosenberg, Helaine Hausman, Martin Hausman, Diana L. Hoadley, Stephen Kahn, Michelle Kassner, Nikki Koval, Susan Lobel, Dara P. Richardson, M.D., Nancy Sharp, Terrie Williams, and Atoosa Rubenstein, who took on double duty in 2005 by serving as the Auctions Chair.

UCP/NYC’s unique auction, “Grab-a-bag for UCP,” helped raise additional funds by offering designer handbags that contained wonderful prizes. In 2004, Elissa Bloom and Jen Fenton of Konfettie donated beautifully crafted handbags, In 2005, Lilly Pulitzer bags were the hot top-ticket items while SammiBags brought whimsical Summer designs to the auction. Each of these designer handbags are stuffed full of gift certificates and prizes, each bag purchased is an instant winner and guests won thing like; a Rado diamond watch, getaways from Continental Airlines, a week-end at the Ritz Carlton in Palm Beach and great gift items from Diane Von Furstenberg, Coach, Gucci and UGG, and many more generous companies.

Next year’s Women Who Care Luncheon is scheduled for May 11, 2006. For further information, please call, 212-683-6700 ext. 205.