Meredith Vieira Hosts SKIP Friendraiser

May 19, 2011—SKIP of New York welcomed nearly 250 people to its 2011 Friendraiser fundraiser this past May 19th at its new offices in the Starrett-Lehigh Building in the Chelsea section of New York City. With former Today Show host Meredith Vieira serving as mistress of ceremonies, the evening was themed “What a View,” for the expansive views of the Hudson River from the new space as well as for how this bright, new hopeful location delivers on SKIP’s view of what childhood should be for the sick and developmentally disabled kids it serves.

Following cocktails and a brief video dedicated to longtime SKIP supporter Phoebe Snow who passed away shortly before the Friendraiser, Ms. Vieira introduced SKIP Board Member Dierdre Imus, founder of The Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center and the Imus Cattle Ranch for Kids with Cancer.

Ms. Imus presented a SKIP Ruby Slipper Award to area business leader and philanthropist Larry Inserra, Jr. Inspired by SKIP’s defining tagline “Because there’s no place like home,” the Ruby Slipper Award is given by SKIP at the Friendraiser to recognize individuals who have made notable differences in the lives of special needs children and their families.

Veteran journalist, commentator and author Jonathan Alter introduced SKIP Executive Director Margaret Mikol who presented the second Ruby Slipper Award of the evening to producer and visionary Mick Ebeling for leading the invention of the EyeWriter and other low-cast technology devices that allow people suffering from neuromuscular diseases and other disabilities to communicate and draw using only their eyes.

In addition to a live auction led by comedian Tony Powell, the evening also included a special art exhibit of Hudson River drawings contributed by nearly 60 SKIP kids and the debut of the SKIP Home Collection of jewelry by Carelle.

Thanks to all of SKIP’s very generous supporters, the evening generated nearly $200,000, all for the Julia Fund which is dedicated to moving children off SKIP's waiting list and into the services that help them live full lives at home.

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Meredith Vieira Hosts SKIP Friendraiser