United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay welcomed supporters, friends, donors and business partners to the annual Sunset Reception on Thursday, September 15. Once again the event was hosted at the beautiful Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa; this year’s event took on added significance as UCPNB celebrates it thirtieth year. UCPNB Executive Director, Margaret Farman was joined by present and former board members and leaders in celebrating the organization’s accomplishments and galvanizing support to help meet the challenges ahead.
Thank you to the former staff and board guests who attended from the Early Years of UCP of the North Bay:
- Cathy Stevenson - former Executive Director of UCP of the North Bay
- Doug Stevenson - Cathy's husband who researched and established the first Dixieland Jazz Festival, that became an annual fundraiser in the 1980's
- Carlo Rossi - former Executive Director of UCP of the North Bay
- Miss Dannenberg - Carlo's wife
- Lyndi Brown - former Development Director of UCP of the North Bay and a major force behind the annual Dixieland Jazz Festival
- Marty Powell - former Board Member
- Sue Powell - Marty's wife who researched and established the first Dixieland Jazz Festival, that because an annual fundraiser in the 1980's.
- Pat Stone - former Board Member, very active in the recreation programs
- Carla & Karen Stone - Pat's daughters
- Gail West - worked with Agency for Infant Development and helped start Phase One - a parent support network.
- Julia West - Gail's daughter
- Liesel Magnuson - participated as a child with UCP of the North Bay
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came as longtime UCPNB supporter, comedian and motivational speaker, Mike Pritchard, spoke about the strength that UCPNB derives from being part of a group “united” around a central purpose, improving the lives of people with disabilities.
Special guest Mike Pritchard with Laura Briggin, Cypress School Director.
Left to Right
- Callie Kindrish, UCPNB Development Committee Member
- Kerri Beeker, UCPNB Development Strategist
- Margaret Farman, UCPNB Executive Director
- Diann Sorenson, UCPNB Development Committee Member
Special guest Mike Pritchard with Board President Steve Lohrer, his wife Neda Lohrer, Development Committee Member, and Elaine McHugh, Vice-President Board Member.
Cathy Stevenson, former Executive Director shared on the early years of UCP of the North Bay.
Margaret Farman recognized board member Claire Martin, for her 30 years of service.
"30 Bottle" Wine Raffle winner was Guy Chicoine
The connection between UCPNB and the community it serves was underscored by this year’s raffle - premium wine from Sonoma, Napa and Solano Counties - one bottle for each year of the organization’s existence. The thirty bottle package raised over $4,000 and the event raised over $12,000 - money that can help UCPNB continue to provide programs and services for children and adults with disabilities.