Crohn's &Colitis Foundation of America Seventeenth Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon April 28, 2010

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), Greater New York Chapter, will host their Seventeenth Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria on Wednesday, April 28th. The event will be hosted by ABC News Nightline and Primetime co-anchor and former honoree Cynthia McFadden.

This year, the Women of Distinction Luncheon will honor three outstanding women. Ellen Crown, Philanthropist and CCFA Board Member, will receive the Woman of Distinction honor. Having been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease while in her teens, Ellen has worked tirelessly for the past 20 years raising awareness and funds to find a cure in the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Karen Peetz, CEO, Financial Markets & Treasury Services, BNY Mellon will receive the Woman of Distinction in Business Award.

This year’s Rising Star Award will be presented to 12-year-old to Alexa Maizes, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 9. She is a young illustrator who creates vibrant and colorful drawings of landscapes and animals. For the past two years, Alexa has been creating note cards that benefit CCFA.

This year’s luncheon will feature a fashion show presented by Bergdorf Goodman, featuring the Evening Collections of Andrew GN, CD Greene, Dior, J. Mendel, Jason Wu, Jay Ahr, Kaufman Franco, Naeem Kahn, Oscar de la Renta and Valentino; Jewelry by Sister Act Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira; and evening bags by Judith Leiber.