Women Who Care Huge Success!

NEW YORK, NY- On Thursday, May 9, 2002, more than 350 people attended United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's 1st Annual Women Who Care Luncheon at the Regent Wall Street, an event created to honor female role models representing various segments from the community.

This year's honorees included: Rachelle Friedman, Co-CEO of J&R Music/Computer World, Michelle Kassner, President of GoGo Worldwide Vacations, and Diane Sawyer, Co-Anchor of Good Morning America and Primetime Thursday. Also honored were Luella Bennack for her lifetime of service to UCP/NYC and Bebe Winkler, the volunteer of the year.

The event's marquee award, the Karen Hansen Caregiver of the Year Award, was presented to the mother of twin daughters with cerebral palsy, Mary Somoza. Max Goldenson, whose parents, Isabelle and Leonard Goldenson were instrumental in the founding of UCP, presented the award, which is named for the woman who cared for Max's sister, Cookie, who had cerebral palsy.

Also presented at the luncheon were opportunity scholarships awarded to four women in UCP/NYC programs to enable them to fulfill lifelong dreams. Stipends, provided by Loreen Arbus, sister of Max and Cookie Goldenson, will enable each of these women to pursue her unique dream-whether it's taking voice lessons, enrolling in a computer-training course, attending college, or establish a modeling portfolio.

The luncheon was jump-started by 9-year-old actress Hallie Eisenberg and a video greeting from the women of ABC's The View. Cathleen Black, Honorary Chair and President of Hearst Magazines, officially welcomed everyone to the Luncheon. Donna Hanover was the event's master of ceremonies, and special presenters included Catherine Crier of Court TV, Rosanna Scotto of Fox 5 News, Shauntay Hinton, Miss USA 2002, and Monica Pellegrini of UPN 9 Sports. Tonja Walker Davidson of One Life to Live saluted the women of 9/11, including Police Officer Joann Spreen, Firefighter Adrienne Walsh, Sanitation Worker Ercelle John, and Canine Rescue Workers Laura LoPresti and Lorrie Clemmo, and their dogs Osa, Claire and Blitz. Also honored were FDNY EMS Lt. Kathleen Gonczi and NYPD Lt. Terri Tobin, soon to become Captain.

UCP/NYC would like to especially acknowledge event benefactors The Hearst Corporation, Hearst Entertainment, Hearst Magazine, Loreen Arbus Productions, Inc., GoGo Worldwide Vacations, and Frank and Luelle Bennack for their generosity in supporting this exceptional event. It seems clear that this event is on its way to become another longstanding tradition at UCP.

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