The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the nation’s leading nonprofit providing care to those living with paralysis and advancing research into treatments and cures for spinal cord injury, will honor international box office record breaking film THE INTOUCHABLES at its annual star-studded A Magical Evening fundraising gala on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
The Weinstein Company Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein will accept the Dana Reeve HOPE Award at the gala reception on behalf of TWC and the film’s directors Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache.
Peter T. Wilderotter, president and CEO of the Reeve Foundation, stated, “the Dana Reeve HOPE Award is presented to a person or organization that has shown amazing grace, strength and fortitude. The recipient of this award is dedicated to continuing the hope that Dana Reeve brought to the world and to the millions of people living with paralysis. It is only fitting that we honor The Intouchables for touching audiences worldwide and reminding us of the commonalities shared between all of us, no matter the circumstances.”
Having received worldwide critical acclaim and international box office success, THE INTOUCHABLES is an irreverent, uplifting comedy about friendship, trust and human possibility that has warmed the hearts of millions. Based on a true story of friendship between a millionaire (Francois Cluzet of TELL NO ONE) living with paralysis due to a spinal cord injury and his street smart ex-con caretaker (breakout star Omar Sy), THE INTOUCHABLES depicts an unlikely camaraderie rooted in honesty and humor between two individuals who, on the surface, would seem to have nothing in common.
Since its release, THE INTOUCHABLES has shattered box-office records worldwide to become the third highest grossing film of all time in France, the highest grossing French film in Germany ever, and has held the #1 spot in many countries around the world grossing over $356 million worldwide and counting. The film is currently playing in theaters throughout the U.S. and has won multiple awards at film festivals around the country including: the ColCoa Film Festival’s Audience Award and Critics Special Prize; the Florida Film Festival’s Audience Award for Best International Feature; the Wisconsin Film Festival’s Audience Award for Best Narrative Film; and the Nashville Film Festival’s Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.
“On behalf of Eric and Olivier and TWC, I would like to express how humbled we are to be recognized by one of the most inspirational and forward thinking organizations of our time,” said Weinstein. “Christopher and Dana Reeve have bettered the lives of millions, and the fact that this film is the first ever to be honored by them shows us how the film’s true story touches the hearts of so many like it did ours.”
Wilderotter added, “We have always honored individuals and corporations that embody our mission to further the quality of life for those living with paralysis. After seeing this extraordinary film, we felt compelled to honor all of the individuals who helped bring this film and its inspirational story to light. This film captures the Foundation’s mission of ’Today’s Care, Tomorrow’s Cure’ and we are passionate about sharing its empowering message with our community.”
This year’s gala will also honor longtime Foundation supporter and current board member Paul Daversa and Daversa Partners, Inc. with the Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award and feature a special live performance by recording artists Jordin Sparks and Jason Derulo.
Proceeds from A Magical Evening will benefit the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the benefit office at (212) 763-8594 or email ReeveFoundation@cmevents.net.
Source: PR Newswire
