The 55th Spirit of Achievement Annual Luncheon

For as long as Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University has existed, its National Women's Division has made the Spirit of Achievement Luncheon its rite of spring. This year, CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer and actor Cynthia Nixon will be among the stellar group of award recipients when the Women's Division's New York Chapter hosts its 55th annual Spirit of Achievement Luncheon on Tuesday, April 28 at the Pierre Hotel, in Manhattan.

Award recipients Wolf Blitzer and Cynthia Nixon The event, which benefits a new clinical research program at Einstein's Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC), also will honor Dr. Robert W. Marion, M.D., Class of 1979, the Ruth L. Gottesman Professor in Developmental Pediatrics, who is the director of CERC, and Janet Wallach, president emeritus of Seeds of Peace, a renowned conflict resolution program for teens from war-torn regions. Willie Geist, co-host of MSNBC's popular show, "Morning Joe," will be master of ceremonies at the luncheon, which is chaired by Women's Division members Madge Miller, Andrea Stark and Ren�e Steinberg.

The 2009 Spirit Luncheon will help to complete the final year of the Women's Division's three-year, $3 million fundraising initiative in support of a new program that brings together clinical experts at CERC and Einstein's world-class scientists to collaborate on cutting-edge research. The collaborative studies will seek new and innovative treatments and, ultimately, cures, for autism and other debilitating neurological disorders that make it difficult for children to succeed at school and in life.
Award recipients Janet Wallach and
Dr. Robert Marion

"The Women's Division is very proud to be involved in the exciting new research program at CERC," said Jackie Harris Hochberg, president of the Women's Division's New York Chapter. "It's gratifying to have an opportunity to support Einstein's researchers in their efforts to create a brighter future for kids with autism and other developmental disabilities."

CERC provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art evaluation, diagnostic and treatment services for children with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, hearing impairments, language and learning disabilities and other severe developmental disorders A nationally recognized model in its field, CERC serves 8,000 children from the New York metropolitan area and beyond and their families each year and trains nearly 1,000 health care professionals annually.

Since 1953, the National Women's Division has raised millions in support of biomedical research and medical education programs at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The Spirit of Achievement Awards Luncheon, held annually in New York City, is the Division's flagship fundraiser. Proceeds from the event support medical research and education programs at Einstein. Honorees include outstanding individuals in fields such as philanthropy, the arts, business, government and journalism.

For more information on the luncheon, click here.