UCP/CLASS Awards Dinner

On Thursday, October 22, 2009, UCP/CLASS held our 17th Annual Community Heroes Awards Dinner. For those of you who were unable to attend the event at the Westin Convention Center, it was an eventful evening enjoyed by many. Our esteemed guests were all present including our favorite news anchor and evening’s emcee, Andrew Stockey.

Harry Cohen, this year’s honorary chairperson, started the evening by welcoming the guests and giving accolades to UCP/CLASS. After a delectable dinner consisting of a Vineyard Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette and Tuscany chicken, the program commenced while the guests were served Triple Mousse Charlotte. The event began with a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. Auction items ranged from Gift Certificates valued at $25 to a licensed Pittsburgh Penguins Jersey autographed by Max Talbot, which sold for over $300.

Before this year’s Community Heroes were presented with their awards, the attendees watched the UCP/CLASS Agency video produced by Michelle Hines. This year’s theme revolved around the usage of words and what words we use to best describe this organization. If you have not had an opportunity to view the video please take some time to do so by visiting our Press Room.

The reason for this annual event is to pay homage to those individuals, groups, or organizations that make a difference in the lives of people with and without disabilities and who help UCP/CLASS in achieving their mission of “Working Toward a Community where Each Belongs.”

The following individuals, groups or organizations were honored at this year’s dinner:

William Isler, President and CEO of Family Communications, Inc. and Executive Director of the Fred Rogers Center for early learning and children’s media received UCP/CLASS’ Gertrude Labowitz Lifetime Achievement Award. Bill Isler is a longtime professional educator and advocate for children. He began his career as a teacher and administrator, then served on the Pennsylvania Department of Education as Commissioner of Basic Education and Senior Program Advisor for Early Childhood Education before joining the Family Communications, Inc., staff in 1984 and becoming the inaugural Executive Director of The Fred Rogers Center for early learning and children’s media at Saint Vincent College in 2005.

Rory Cooper received this year's Community Hero Award. Rory A. Cooper, Ph.D. is FISA & Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Chair and Distinguished Professor of the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Cooper is Director of the VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Center of Excellence in Pittsburgh, and Co-Director of the National Science Foundation Quality of Life Technology Engineering Research Center of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.

The Local Task Force on the Right to Education in Allegheny County (LTF3) was honored with the Advocacy and Awareness Award. The mission of the Local Task Force in Allegheny County is to serve as a resource for children with all disabilities and their families in the 42 school districts in Allegheny County. Their role is to communicate needs and problems to the appropriate sources. Through the work of the members who volunteer their time and effort, LTF3 is a forum where families are heard and families are helped.

The Duranti Family received the Humanitarian Award. The Durantis were chosen for their many years of service to the community and their special commitment and generosity to people of all abilities. The Durantis made their restaurant feel like home to many who often sought a friendly place to dine. The family employed people with disabilities and was accommodating to those who required support.

County Executive Dan Onorato, Director of Allegheny County Parks, Andrew Baechle, and County Manager James Flynn, Jr. were recognized with the Policymaker Award for their vision, creation and completion of two new inclusive playgrounds in Allegheny County. The playgrounds are located at Boyce and North Park. These three gentlemen recognize the importance of inclusive play and are planning to build more accessible playgrounds and water parks over the next several years.

MobilityWorks was selected as the recipient of UCP/CLASS’ Benefactor Award. The Pittsburgh location has been actively supporting UCP/CLASS by participating in special events and through corporate sponsorship. MobilityWorks is a national provider of wheelchair accessible vans and vehicle-related adaptive equipment. The company serves the disabled community with lowered floor minivans, full-size vans, wheelchair lifts, scooter lifts, and commercial fleet vehicles to thousands of individuals and business clients each year.

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars - University of Pittsburgh Chapter (NSCS) were honored with the Norma J. Gianutsos, Volunteer of the Year Award. The Pittsburgh Chapter has worked with UCP/CLASS for several years and during that time the Chapter and UCP/CLASS have established two long-standing, traditional events: Monte Carlo Night and the Bocce Ball tournament. Honoring and inspiring academic excellence and engaged citizenship is the mission of the NSCS.

In addition to this year’s award recipients, it is important to recognize, staff and volunteers who helped make this event possible. Without their assistance, the event would not take place or be nearly as successful. The Event Committee consisted of Al Condeluci, Melva Gooden-Ledbetter, Lorraine Brewer, Michelle Hines, Shannon Snook, Lance Alexander, Jan Bayfield, Maggie Guzzo, Neal Lutz, Brian Miller, Shirlee Porro, Dr. Grady Roberts and Courtney Walker. Our videos were prepared by Anne Floyd and Michelle Hines. Rose Weaver Molder and Rebecca Bosko were our photographers for the evening and Lindsay Shook created the program books for the event.

Other people who offered assistance and provided much needed support with setting up the event and handling finances associated with the event, to include selling raffle tickets, guest registration, silent auction assistance, table decorations and anything that is asked of them included: Ron Ruppen, Kevin Courtoy, Judy McNamara, Pat Rider, Mindy Payne, Jack Snook, Becky Ruscitto, Jeff Ehrenreich, and Mary Ann McGuirk.

Next year’s 18th Annual Community Heroes Awards Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Andrew Stockey has already agreed to emcee, stating, “Thanks for not only having me, but also giving me the earliest heads up ever on a future event.”

Thank you to everyone for an exceptional evening. If you have never attended one of the Awards dinner, we encourage you to mark on your calendar for next year. Don’t forget to think about nominees for next year: planning for the 2010 dinner begins now!

For information about the 2009 Awards Dinner or any of our special events, contact Courtney Walker, at 412.683.7100 x2153 or info@ucpclass.org.