The Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation (CPIRF) hosted “Families of Distinction,” on Sunday night to recognize individuals and families for their commitment to educating, mentoring, improving and empowering the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The event, emceed by actor John Amos, recognized members of the Foundation’s co-founders, Isabelle and Leonard H. Goldenson and the evening’s honorees Alfred and Claude Mann, Dr. Taryn Rose, Maria Fiorini Ramirez, and Loreen Arbus (daughter of Isabelle and Leonard H. Goldenson) who have embraced a long-term commitment to the cause of Cerebral Palsy. Also receiving honors were Gary Lynn and his mother Andrea for being the “Ambassador Family” of the evening. Gary, who has CP, made a heartfelt speech about how he lives with his disability and his future goals to become a sports attorney, and enter politics.
Over $300,000 was raised during the evening in silent and live auctions. CPIRF Chairman of the Board and Honorary Dinner Chair, Paul A. Volcker spoke about the recent statistics and current breakthroughs in therapies. Proceeds benefitted cutting edge research projects focused on early diagnosis, prevention and treatment for Cerebral Palsy.
Those in attendance included Paul Volcker (Chairman of Pres. Obama’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board), Taryn Rose (fashion designer/honoree), Loreen Arbus, Frank Bennack, Jr. (Vice Chairman and CEO of Hearst Corporation), Moshe Arens (Israeli politician and former Ambassador to the US), Dr. Joshua Gleitman, Linda Kaplan Thaler, Margaret & Stephen Goldsmith (former Mayor of Indiana), James Stearns Esq., Dawn Gibbons (First Lady of Nevada), and Louis Licari (celebrity hair stylist and Today Show contributor).

CPIRF Ambassador Family Andrea and Gary Lynn

Gala Co-Chairs Linda Kaplan Thaler and Margaret Goldsmith

Honoree Taryn Rose

Honorees Claude and Al Mann and Loreen Arbus

John Amos, Master of Ceremonies