UCP is proud to introduce William H. Macy as its new Ambassador. Macy became interested in UCP while working on the Turner Network Television (TNT) Original Film, Door To Door, for which he received a Golden Globe Nomination and won the Screen Actor's Guildm award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a television movie or miniseries. In the Johnson & Johnson Spotlight Presentation film, Macy portrays Bill Porter, a Portland, Oregon, door-to-door salesman with cerebral palsy who achieved great success, becoming the Watkins Company's top salesman.

DOOR TO DOOR

Door To Door tells the inspiring story of Bill Porter's remarkable life. Bill's mother, Irene, was an invaluable volunteer for UCP of Oregon throughout her life and encouraged Bill to work and maintain his independence. Through Bill's patience and persistence after only a few months, he became a top salesman and went on to have a successful 40-year career selling more involved with UCP and its mission to ensure people with disabilities are included in all facets of society," stated William H. Macy. "Walking in Bill Porter's shoes taught me to see the person first, not the disability."

AMBASSADOR

As a UCP Ambassador, Macy will be involved in several activities throughout the year to increase public awareness of the work of UCP. Recently, he participated in creating two public services announcements (PSA) in which he provided the narration. One PSA featured Erik Pernack, a program participant from UCP/NYC's Brooklyn Day Habilitation Program. This PSA was first aired on December 16, 2002 when TNT re-aired Door to Door.

On January 14, 2003, Macy, along with UCP/NYC Executive Director Ed Matthews, participated in a national media satellite interview tour. While broadcasting out of a studio in Los Angeles, Macy and Matthews conducted interviews with more than 20 television stations across the country. Macy will also be present at the National UCP meeting in May in Mobile, Alabama. Additionally, he has agreed to be the Dinner Chairman for UCP/NYC's Annual Awards Dinner being held Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel in Manhattan. "We are thrilled to welcome Mr.Macy as our Ambassador," stated Ed Matthews. "We look forward to building a strong relationship and working together to improve the lives of people with cerebral palsy and related disabilities."