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215-242-4200, ext. 223 | press@ucpphila.org

PERFORMANCE ARTIST AND MUMMERS MAKE FOR FUNDRAISING SUCCESS & MAGICAL EVENING

(Philadelphia, December 16, 2009) United Cerebral Palsy of Philadelphia & Vicinity raised over $200,000 at the 21st Annual Fantasy Auction Saturday, November 21 at the Hilton in Philadelphia. The Auction celebrated New Beginnings with a new format and new features, including the Philadelphia Premiere of Disney performance artist Trevor Carlton and a rousing concert by the Avalon String Band in full Mummer regalia.

Disney artist Carlton enraptured guests with his show, combining music and paint to transform a 5’x5’ canvas into a magical painting of Mickey Fantasia before guests’ eyes. The piece was completed in under an hour and was auctioned off later in the evening. Other notable auction items included the first pitch at a Phillies game, a VIP tour of Washington, D.C., and various vacation packages. At the conclusion of bidding for hundreds of silent auction items, the Avalon String Band led guests in a Mummers’ Strut into the formal dining room for a dessert buffet and presentation.

Representative Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania was honored for his commitment to social change as it aligns with UCP’s mission to create a life without limits for people with disabilities. A heart-warming presentation about United Cerebral Palsy reminded guests of the work made possible by their participation: providing physical, speech, and occupational therapies, as well as early intervention, advocacy, information and referral casework and much more for children and adults with a variety of physical and developmental impairments or any physical conditions that limits independent functioning.

UCP wishes to thank the guests, volunteers, and sponsors - including media sponsor AroundMainLine.com – for making the 21st Fantasy Auction a memorable and magical event!

For over 60 years, United Cerebral Palsy of Philadelphia & Vicinity (UCP) has been working to positively affect the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities in the Delaware Valley. Each year, UCP provides direct services to over 3,000 children and adults with disabilities and responds to thousands of requests for information about services for people with disabilities. To learn more about UCP of Philadelphia & Vicinity, call 215-242-4200 or visit www.ucpphila.org.

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