Press Releases: 2005 Releases

Royal Christmas Company Ornament to Benefit United Cerebral Palsy Programs for People with Disabilities (1/3/05)

United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham Consumer Zachary Woolley Inspires Design

Sales Contact: Bob and Beverly Hitt
The Hitt Company
(800) 803-8296
hittco@mindspring.com

Media Contact:

Washington, DC, January 3, 2005 – The Royal Christmas Company and Polish designer Krystyna Gawlik have created a special ornament to benefit United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). The ornament, which was inspired by United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham consumer Zachary Woolley, illustrates the wonder of the holidays for all children, including those with disabilities.

The hand-crafted ornament reveals the interaction and joy between Santa Claus and Zachary as the boy receives a gift. The limited edition ornament will be available for wholesale purchase in early 2005, and will be shown at the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishing Market from January 11-20, 2005.

"Like any youngster, Zach loves Christmas time," says Michael Woolley, Zachary’s father and a board member of UCP of Greater Birmingham. "And our whole family is honored to join in helping United Cerebral Palsy while celebrating the holidays together."

Zachary, who has cerebral palsy, is 14-years-old and active in his community and school. He is a determined self-advocate and has worked to educate his community about disabilities like cerebral palsy. An avid athlete, he is ranked nationally in the sport of boccia, an official sport of the United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association.

Bob and Beverly Hitt, owners of the family-operated The Hitt Company, introduced designer Krystyna Gawlik to Zachary, their grandson, earlier this year. The Hitt Company is a wholesale representative for the Royal Christmas Company.

Gawlik, who is known for her collection of Faberge style hand-blown ornaments, was inspired to create a special ornament to benefit United Cerebral Palsy. After completing her design, Gawlik commissioned Polish carver Mieszko Tylmiesz, whose daughter Zozia also has cerebral palsy, to bring her concept to life.

"The ornament’s message is about the inclusion of children with disabilities," says Gawlik. "I hope every family will be proud to hang this ornament on their Christmas tree."

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Zachary’s ornament will be donated to United Cerebral Palsy and its national network of affiliates serving and advocating for people with disabilities.

About United Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy is one of the nation’s leading organizations serving and advocating for the more than 54 million Americans with disabilities. Most UCP consumers are people with disabilities other than cerebral palsy. Through its nationwide affiliate network, United Cerebral Palsy offers services to individuals, families and communities, such as job training and placement, physical therapy, individual and family support, early intervention, social and recreation programs, community living, state and local referrals, and instruction on how to use technology to perform everyday tasks. For more information, call (800) 872-5827.

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