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In November, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation introduced our new “Just Say Hi” campaign at a special event hosted at Condé Nast’s headquarters in One World Trade Center.

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The intimate cocktail party featured an introduction by David Remnick, Editor-in-Chief of The New Yorker, who spoke about the impact of disabilities on individuals and the need to share and confront these challenges.

CPF’s CEO, Richard Ellenson, laid out the Foundation’s vision for the coming years, sharing initiatives such as “Transforming Healthcare for Women with Disabilities,” “Kinect-Personal Gesture Translation,” and research taking place at Johns Hopkins/Kennedy Krieger Institute to address inflammation of the brain in infants.

Five of the Foundation’s new “Just Say Hi” spots were showcased, including that of Chairman Emeritus, Paul A. Volcker, and NYC Commissioner for People with Disabilities, Victor Calise.

The highlight of the evening came as four individuals with CP spoke of the challenges they face every day in social situations and of the importance of the “Just Say Hi” message. The diversity of personalities, coupled with the similarity of the shared challenges, brought home the point in a way that resonated throughout the room.

Every day the Foundation works to advance the interventions and therapies that change lives for people with CP. But at events like this, when we get to hear the stories first hand, and get to hear them in the offices of an Editor whose stories truly change the world, the work feels even more compelling.

The evening ended with the Foundation’s Chair Lisa Baird capturing the importance of our work, and the financial contributions made by so many.

Thanks to all the passionate individuals who share our mission. And to the many celebrities who’ve contributed to the “Just Say Hi” campaign.