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Actress Minnie Driver to Host Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Gala, 'A Magical Evening'
By Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation
Nov 10, 2004, 19:16

William H. Macy will be a Special Presenter; Glenn Close to Receive Human Spirit Award

SPRINGFIELD, NJ -- The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) announced that award winning actress Minnie Driver will host the 14th Annual Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) gala, "A Magical Evening" on November 18th at the New York Marriott Marquis in Manhattan. Actor William H. Macy will be a Special Presenter. Serving on the Gala Committee are Francine LeFrak and Rick Freidberg and Maria Cuomo Cole and Kenneth Cole, Jonathan and Somers Farkas, Dennis Basso and Michael Cominatto, Denise Rich, Caroline Hirsch and Andrew Fox, Eaddo and Peter Kiernan III, Elaine Sargent, Denise and Larry Wohl, Joycelyn Wildenstein, Noreen and Peter Thomas Roth, and Gloria Wolosoff.

The New Jersey-based Foundation is expected to raise $2 million for CRPF's research and Quality of Life programs. The funds will be used to develop treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders; as well as to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities.

Dr. John W. Rowe, chairman and CEO of Aetna, will receive the CRPF Visionary Leadership Award in recognition of his professional achievements, civic contributions and leadership support of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. Actress Glenn Close will receive the Human Spirit Award in recognition of her generosity of spirit with which she has shared her fame and good will.

"This is an extremely exciting time in spinal cord research and we are hoping for a record-breaking turnout at this year's Gala," said Kathy Lewis, President and CEO of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. "With continuing support from donors and with the help from our celebrity friends to raise awareness of our mission, we know that a breakthrough is right around the corner for millions of Americans."

Although the Foundation is still mourning the loss of their former Chairman, Lewis said, "Christopher leaves all of us a legacy of hope, proving that one person can make a world of a difference. It is our job to soldier on and to make his dream a reality. With leadership from our new Chairperson, Dana Reeve, we intend to do just that."

Past guests have included Helen Hunt, Denzel Washington, Liam Neeson, Paula Zahn, Diane Sawyer and Mike Nichols, John Lithgow, Nikki Haskell, Jocelyn Wildenstein, Denise Rich, Joan Collins, David Blaine, Robin Williams, and Kim Cattrall.

To purchase tickets to A Magical Evening, please call the Benefit Office at (212) 627-1000.

ABOUT THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE PARALYSIS FOUNDATION: The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) is committed to funding research that develops treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The Foundation also vigorously works to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities through its grants program, Paralysis Resource Center, and advocacy efforts. For more information, visit
Website: www.christopherreeve.org






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