Sports Legends Team Up with UCP/NYC!
November 26, 2001

(New York, NY) -On Thursday, November 29, 2001, at 6:00 p.m., United Cerebral Palsy of New York City will host the 11th Annual Sports & Entertainment Fantasy Auction at Mickey Mantle’s Restaurant in Manhattan. Celebrities, sports legends and media personalities will all be attending this fun and exciting evening!

Special guests that evening will be members of the New York Giants NFL Championship teams. “The Golden Years” special reunion, led by former Coach Allie Sherman, will include owner Wellington Mara, players Frank Gifford, Andy Robustelli, Erich Barnes, Rosie Brown, Kyle Rote, Dick Lynch and Coach Joe Walton are all scheduled to attend. Additionally, Gene Michael, Vice President of Major League Scouting for the New York Yankees, is being honored at the UCP/NYC Sportsman of the Year.

“The New York Giants of the 1960’s were the classic football team. They had great players, and we are showing them the respect that they so rightly deserve,” said Bill Liederman, co-chair of UCP/NYC Sports Auction Committee. “We are paying homage to the players and coaches. This recognition is long overdue.”

The evening begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction. After a short program, the live auction, hosted by Bruce Beck of WNBC Sports, will be filled with non-stop action as bidders compete for fabulous sports and entertainment packages and memorabilia. Spencer Ross, MSG Radio Announcer for the NY Knicks, will be the Honorary Chairman. Len Berman of WNBC Sports will also be in attendance.

This year’s UCP/NYC Man of the Year honoree is Mr. Louis J. Cappelli, Chairman of Sterling National Bank. Mr. Cappelli was chosen as honoree for his life long dedication and active involvements in charitable, civil, ecumenical and industry related organizations. Mr. Cappelli began his career at Sterling National Bank as an 18-year old mailroom messenger and through hard work and perseverance, rose through the ranks to eventually head the company.

In light of the tragic events of September 11, UCP/NYC will share the auction proceeds with the Uniformed Fire Officers Association. This fund covers all Fire Officers, Fire Fighters, EMS Personnel, one Fire Marshal and one Fire Patrol member killed at the WTC.

UCP/NYC would like to express our appreciation to the Featured Sponsors for the evening, David Berdon & Company. David Berdon & Co. LLP is a full-service accounting and advisory firm ranked among the top 25 CPA firms in the nation. Our appreciation is also extended to Goetz, Fitzpatrick, Most & Bruckman, LLP, 1st West Mortgage Bankers and 620 AM WSNR Sporting News Radio for their sponsorships.

Tickets for the Sports and Entertainment Auction are $200 per person. For more information, contact UCP’s Auction Hotline at (212) 683-6700, ext. 390, or visit UCP/NYC’s Web site at www.ucpnyc.org.

United Cerebral Palsy of New York City is a 55-year-old non-profit organization, which annually assists over 10,000 children and adults with disabilities and their families. The agency’s mission is to provide the highest quality services in health care, education, employment, housing, and technology resources that support people with cerebral palsy and related disabilities in leading independent and productive lives.

Sterling Bancorp (NYSE: STL) is a financial holding company with assets of $1.4 billion, offering a full range of banking and financial services products. Its principal banking subsidiary is Sterling National Bank, founded in 1929. Sterling provides a wide range of products and services, including commercial lending, asset-based financing, factoring/accounts receivable management, international trade financing, commercial and residential mortgage lending, equipment leasing, trust and estate administration and investment management services. Sterling has operations in the metropolitan New York area, Virginia and other mid-Atlantic states and conducts business throughout the U.S. More information is available on the company's Web site, http://www.sterlingbancorp.com.