Susan Lucci to Host The 13th Annual UCP of NYC Women Who Care Luncheon

Loreen Arbus, Founder & Chair of Women Who Care, and Edward R. Matthews, CEO of United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (UCP of NYC), announced today that Susan Lucci, star of the hit series "Devious Maids," Emmy® Award-winningactress of "All My Children," host of Investigation Discovery's "Deadly Affairs," and New York Times best-selling author, will return as host of the 13th Annual UCP of NYC Women Who Care Luncheon.

The luncheon, to be held Wednesday, May 7th, at Cipriani 42nd Street, benefits United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, and celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of women as professionals, caregivers, and volunteers.

Ms. Lucci, herself a former Women Who Care Award honoree, will return for the second year as Host. Loreen Arbus is Founder/Chair of Women Who Care. Jill Herzig, Editor-in-chief of Redbook magazine, and Donna Hanover, former First Lady of New York City, are Honorary Chairs. Robin Givens, star of the ABC series "Twisted;" Ali Stroker of "Glee Project" and "Glee" fame; and Emmy winner Paula Zahn, host of "On the Case with Paula Zahn," are Co-Chairs of Women Who Care. Hearst Corporation is lead sponsor of Women Who Care. Cole Haan joins as a new major corporate sponsor.

"Susan's longtime dedication and work on behalf of women, children, and families, combined with her own extraordinary accomplishments as an actress and author, made her the perfect choice to be our new host," says Loreen Arbus, Disability Rights Activist/Producer and Founder/Chair of Women Who Care. "We are thrilled that Susan will continue to play a major role in helping us to shine a much-needed media light on the largest minority in the world: people with disabilities."

"Susan cares deeply about helping others," says Edward R. Matthews, CEO of United Cerebral Palsy of New York City. "She is also an excellent example of a woman who has broken the glass ceiling, making her a wonderful choice to host the luncheon. We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Lucci for taking the time to once again help us raise awareness and funds for the comprehensive programs and services UCP of NYC provides year-round to thousands of people."

"I am very touched by the impact United Cerebral Palsy of New York City has on thousands of children, families and adults with disabilities," says Susan Lucci. "I am particularly impressed by the comprehensive nature of their ongoing programs and services which encompass so many different aspects of health, education, assisted technology and the arts."

Last year, Ms. Lucci narrated a video for UCP of NYC and Susan G. Komen to help raise breast health awareness for women with disabilities.Her commitment to her work with children has most recently taken her to Africa in support of Feed The Children. She has served as The March of Dimes' National Ambassador in 2000, and as a celebrity spokesperson for AMDeC (Academic Medicine Development Company) and The New York Cancer Project. She has also been involved with Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids and is the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the prestigious New York City Gracie Award, and the Muse Award for Women in Film & Television. She was inducted into the American Academy of Achievement Awards and presented with the Italian Board of Guardians Lifetime Achievement Award.

In the coming weeks, honorees and celebrity presenters for the star-studded event will be announced. In addition to Ms. Lucci, previous Women Who Care honorees include Robin Roberts, Cyndi Lauper,Diane Sawyer, Gayle King, Lauren Bush Lauren, Amy Lee, Ann Curry, Marlo Thomas, Roxanne Mankin Cason, Francine LeFrak, Anne Sweeney, Patricia Duff, Linda Kaplan Thaler and many other extraordinarily accomplished women.

Past celebrity presenters for Women Who Care include: Oprah Winfrey, Diane Von Furstenberg, Jimmy Smits, Cynthia Nixon, Ivanka Trump, Danny Glover, Meredith Vieira, Alan Rickman, Deborah Norville, Cynthia McFadden, Dr. Oz, CBS News Anchor Maurice DuBois, "Good Day New York's" Mike Woods, Regis Philbin, Michelle Bachelet,former President of Chile, Frank Bennack , Jr., Executive Vice Chairman and former CEO of the Hearst Corporation, and many other VIPs.

About Women Who Care
Women Who Care was created to honor female role models representing various segments of the community. It is a celebration of women who have deep concern for others and are passionately committed to giving back. Their extraordinary accomplishments and great character have inspired women around the world to achieve their full potential. The Women Who Care Luncheon is a New York tradition and has generated global media attention in previous years. Hearst Corporation is Presenting Sponsor of Women Who Care for the fourth year in a row.

About United Cerebral Palsy of New York City
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is the fifth largest U.S. health organization. In New York City, UCP of NYC is a leading nonprofit provider of direct services, technology, and advocacy to children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. UCP of NYC offers a breadth of more than 75 comprehensive programs including medical, clinical, educational, technological, residential and rehabilitative services to over 14,000 individuals and families annually. The mission of United Cerebral Palsy of New York City is to create opportunities for people with disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives. www.ucpnyc.org

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