20th Annual Einstein Family Day

Grey skies could not dampen the spirits of 1,300 parents and children who flocked to the 20th Annual Albert Einstein College of Medicine's Family Day Wild-Wild West Carnival , hosted by the New York Chapter of Einstein's National Women�s Division . Held on Sunday, August 9, at the Ross School in Bridgehampton, NY, this year's event raised $325,000 to benefit a clinical research program at Einstein's Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC) . The event was part of the Women's Division's $3 million fundraising initiative in support of the new program, in which clinical experts at CERC collaborate with Einstein scientists at the Price Center/Block Research Pavilion on research studies aimed at finding new treatments and, ultimately cures, for autism and other serious developmental disorders.

Christie Brinkley A high point of the festivities was the presentation of the first �Spirit of Family� Award to global fashion icon Christie Brinkley , who has served as celebrity chairwoman of Family Day since 2002. The award was established by the Women's Division to mark the 20th anniversary of Family Day, a major initiative of the Division that has raised millions in support of medical research and medical education programs at Einstein.

In accepting her award, Ms. Brinkley movingly highlighted Einstein's work, particularly in the areas of autism and breast cancer research. �It is I who should be thanking you,� she said.

According to Jackie Harris Hochberg, president of the New York Chapter and an event co-chair, Christie Brinkley was the obvious choice to be the first recipient of the special honor, which recognizes an outstanding friend and supporter of Family Day. �Christie embodies everything this event celebrates: a strong desire to make a difference and a passion for helping Einstein scientists and physicians improve health outcomes for people everywhere through cutting-edge medical research and state-of-the-art patient care,� noted Ms. Hochberg. �By graciously going out of her way to make a personal appearance at Family Day each year, Christie has literally �been there� for us, and for Einstein. In doing so, she's helped Einstein make a difference in the lives of so many other families. We�re proud and honored to call her a member of the Einstein family.�

�Christie isn�t just one of the world's top models,� added event co-chair Roxanne Palin, a leading member of the Women's Division and one of the original Family Day chairs. �She excels as an artist, writer, photographer, designer, actress and environmentalist. And while we honor her for all the things that clearly make her special, the Spirit of Family Award recognizes, most importantly, her roles as devoted mother, volunteer and philanthropist.�

Over the years, Family Day has become a beloved Einstein �family tradition� and a highlight on the Hamptons summer social calendar. Attendees this year included Elie Tahari, Judith Ripka, Lizzy and Jonathan Tisch, Stacey and Coby Bronfman, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Dr. Howard Sobel, New York City Councilman Joel Rivera and Women's Division Board Members Ren�e Belfer, Andrea Stark and Daryl Roth.

In addition to Ms. Palin and Ms. Hochberg, the 2009 event co-chairs included Mindy Feinberg, Tasha Genatt, Erica Karsch and Cathy Schwartz. For the second consecutive year Marquis Jet served as presenting corporate sponsor. Among the many other sponsors who generously supported the event were Northville, Loehmann's, Hamptons Magazine, The Art Farm, Sarah Merian's Photography, tasti D lite, Eleni's and Smart Water.

For more information about the Einstein National Women's Division or the Women's Division's fundraising initiative for CERC please call 718-430-2818.

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