Walk to Cure
Arthritis Cocktail Reception
April 10, 2014
On Friday night, professionals, philanthropists and
politicos alike gathered at The Plaza Private Residences to
raise money for Walk to Cure Arthritis, coming to NYC on May
16th. The invitation boasted a “New York, New
York” theme as this year marks the first time the National
Walk to Cure Arthritis Honoree title has been given to a New
Yorker.
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Democratic strategist and writer, Renee Cafaro was given the
honor in recognition of her strength coping with
Seronegative Arthritis and Fibromyalgia since age 11. Now
31, Renee will lead tens of
thousands of people who will walk the 5K or one-mile route
in more than 115 communities across the country and has
personally committed to raise over $25,000 for the cause.
After this fundraiser, her team, The Joint Chiefs, are on
target to exceed that goal handily.
“Renee has been a champion in the
fight against arthritis and we are thrilled to have her
named as our National Walk Honoree,” said Courtney Gush,
Director of the Walk to Cure Arthritis. “Renee’s passion and
voice have helped us draw attention to the prevalence of
arthritis among people of all backgrounds and highlight the
need to discover improved treatments and a cure. It is
inspiring that she is not just surviving but really
thriving, so we are happy to be here and do our part to
support such a special evening.”
Cafaro spoke about hiding her
disease for a decade while she climbed the career latter
from labor union intern to successful strategist, working
tirelessly to elect working-class champions like NYC
Comptroller Scott Stringer despite Arthritis pain. This
notion was ironic but very refreshing as guests stood in her
glamor-meets-rock’n’roll Fifth Avenue apartment that is more
fitting of the “Top 1%” elite than a humble progressive.
After the program, guests mingled and satiated their
appetites with freely-flowing Manhattans and cute
city-themed fare like Black-and-White cookies whilst
perusing the many silent auction items on offer.
“I curated the silent auction to have a New York theme and
in what seemed like an instant, we received 25 items and
experiences from some of the most iconic establishments from
across the City – not to mention all of the wonderful
elected officials and prestigious New Yorkers who lent their
names to the host committee,” Cafaro said.
“I am truly touched to receive so much support from such a
diverse and powerful network, especially when I have spent
most of my life struggling for understanding from academics,
doctors and family. It is infuriating to think of how many
have dismissed my symptoms before diagnosis and even more
outrageous that some still do even after NYU Hospital for
Joint Diseases confirmed that I have arthritis. Arthritis is
not just ‘minor aches and pains’ that can be handled
with aspirin and a stiff upper lip. It is the #1 cause for
disability in the Nation, affecting millions of adults
and 300,000 children. With your help, we will combat this
appalling ignorance, the stigma, the misconceptions and
this disease. With your donations and auction purchases
tonight, we will provide hope for the millions like me,”
Cafaro concluded.
Upon departure, all
partygoers received gift bags packed with promotional Walk
to Cure Arthritis swag like registration forms, awareness
materials, buttons and branded cookies. Cafaro and the
Arthritis Foundation staff made pleas to many attendees to
join them on May 16th for the NYC charity walk
across the Brooklyn Bridge.
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For more information, about the Walk to Cure Arthritis,
visit
www.WalktoCureArthritis.org.
The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org)
is the largest and most trusted nonprofit organization
dedicated to addressing the needs and challenges of people
living with arthritis. The
Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and
championing the fight against arthritis through vital
information, advocacy, scientific research and community.
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