Press Releases: 2002 Releases

UCP Opens Its Doors to TNT's Original Film — Door To Door!

Washington, DC, July 10, 2002 – UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) is proud to be associated with Turner Network Television (TNT) as it presents its Original film Door To Door, which originally aired on Sunday, July 14th, at 8 PM ET. This Johnson & Johnson Spotlight Presentation stars Oscar® -nominated actor William H. Macy (Fargo, Magnolia) in an uplifting drama based on the true story of Bill Porter, a door-to-door salesman who was born with cerebral palsy. As a model for patience and persistence, Bill Porter teaches us to look at the person first and the disability second. Golden Globe nominee Kyra Sedgwick (Something to Talk About) also stars as Shelly Brady, Bill's friend and associate; Oscar® -nominated actress Helen Mirren (The Madness of King George, Gosford Park) stars as Bill's dedicated mother and Emmy Award winner Kathy Baker (Picket Fences) stars as one of Bill's most faithful customers.

“One might say Bill’s success as a door-to-door salesman began with UCP”, states Hal Nolan, UCP’s National Volunteer President. “As a UCP of Oregon fundraiser, people with cerebral palsy went door-to-door selling household items and earned a sales commission for their efforts. Irene Porter, Bill’s mother, encouraged Bill to become a salesman for UCP, and after a few months, Bill became a top salesman for UCP of Oregon. Bill went on to have a successful 40-year career selling products for the Watkins Company. Door To Door,” continues Nolan, “through Bill Porter, advocates for an individual’s right to work, honors the true essence of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and embodies the mission of UCP - Understanding Disabilities, Creating Opportunities.”

As the premiere disability charity in America, UCP has been committed to advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities for more than 50 years. Through a nationwide network of 110 affiliates in 39 states, UCP serves more than one million Americans with disabilities and their families to lead independent lives. For more information about UCP and how you can make a difference, please visit the UCP Web site or call 1-800-872-5827.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., an AOL Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry. TNT’s drama-centered programming features award-winning original films; top Hollywood theatricals; original drama series such as Witchblade joining off-net dramas such as Law & Order, ER, NYPD Blue and Charmed, with Judging Amy joining in 2003; and championship sports coverage of NASCAR, Wimbledon tennis, PGA golf and the NBA. Tuner Network Television (TNT) is currently seen in 86.2 million homes.

Johnson & Johnson Spotlight Presentations, which will include a minimum of two projects per year, is the latest effort by Johnson & Johnson to expand family-friendly programming on prime time television.

UCP celebrates the triumph of the human spirit in Door To Door and applauds the cast and crew of this amazing film! The first airing of Door To Door on Sunday, July 14, topped all broadcast networks head-to-head in the 53 metered markets! If you missed the first run of Door To Door, be sure to catch the TNT Original film on Saturday, July 20 at 1:00 PM ET/PT and Sunday, July 28 at 10:15 PM ET/PT. Enjoy Door To Door! Please visit TNT Web site for more information about the TNT Original film.

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