Put on your saddle shoes, poodle skirts and letterman jackets and get ready to rock around the clock for a great cause.
More than 200 guests are expected at this year's "Rock Around the Clock" Life Without Limits Sock Hop luncheon benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire. This event will take place Oct. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Cahuilla Ballroom of Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage.
At the luncheon, Ted Weill, Rancho Mirage city councilmember, will receive the Heart of Service Award for his support of this local nonprofit for more than 25 years, as well as his ongoing support of the organization's national chapter.
In addition, Palm Springs Subaru will be honored with the Community Service Award for being
a strong supporter of United Cerebral Palsy for more than 20 years. Palm Springs Subaru not only lends financial support but also assists the organization through event attendance, offering volunteer opportunities to its staff.
Since 1985, United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire has provided services in Riverside and San Bernardino counties to individuals and their families affected by cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Down syndrome, autism, intellectual delay and other conditions. The organization's goal is to foster the independence, productivity and full citizenship of its clients.
"The funds raised through this year's Life Without Limits luncheon will help create life-changing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the Inland Empire," said Samantha Tweddell, director of donor development. "These funds support programs and services that promote independence, inclusion, confidence and connection — from adaptive recreation and skill-building programs to family support and resources. Every dollar raised helps remove barriers and empowers individuals to live fuller, more independent lives without limits."
United Cerebral Palsy's services and programs include an adaptive bike program, for individuals with mobility disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and others. Each bike is custom-made for each individual's needs. Since 2012, more than 112 special needs children and adults have received adaptive bikes.
In addition, the Family Empowerment Program provides group counseling to the organization's special needs clients and their families, providing a safe and supportive environment to share experiences and get help with day-to-day challenges.
The Respite Care Program provides pre-screened and trained care providers to homes with special needs individuals, allowing parents or other caregivers to take a rest or attend to other tasks.
After-school and summer programs, including Skill Builders and Be Fit, help participants develop their socialization, independence, communication, safety and health, helping to develop community partners and create inclusion opportunities to foster independence and empowerment for the individuals served by United Cerebral Palsy.
Luncheon tickets are $120 per person, and a table of eight is $960. Sponsorship opportunities include the $8,000 Rock Around The Clock presenting sponsor, the $5,000 Pink Ladies & T-Birds sponsor, the $3,000 Malt Shop centerpiece sponsor and the $100 Jukebox sponsor.
For tickets and sponsorship information, call 760-321-8184, contact stweddell@ucpie.org or visit ucpie.org.
Madeline Zuckerman is owner and president of M. Zuckerman Marketing & Public Relations Inc., a marketing, branding, public relations and special events firm with offices in Rancho Mirage and Newport Beach, California. Zuckerman is a founder of McCallum Theatre, a Desert Arc Champion, a member of the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation and a board member of the One Valley Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Coachella Valley Firebirds. She has been a guest reporter for The Desert Sun for 18 years.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Don't miss United Cerebral Palsy's upcoming sock hop luncheon
