Press Releases: 2002 Releases

TNT Re-releases Door To Door

UCP Celebrates the Holiday Season with TNT’S Original Film Door To Door

Washington, DC, December 6, 2002 — As we approach the busy holiday season, UCP would like to remind you of an opportunity to share some very special time with your family and friends. Mark your calendars for Monday, December 16th and watch TNT’s Original film Door To Door at 8:00pm ET and 10:00pm ET. If you were lucky enough to catch the first airing of Door To Door, you have already experienced this remarkable film, which topped all broadcast networks’ ratings on Sunday, July 14th. Our UCP PSA spot “Dignity” aired three times during that highly-watched television event.

UCP is exceptionally proud to be associated with Turner Network Television (TNT) and the Original Film Door To Door. This film demonstrates an individuals’ right to work, advocates for full citizenship of people with disabilities and honors the true essence of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Door To Door is the embodiment of UCP—Understanding Disabilities, Creating Opportunities.

Door To Door is based on the true story of a door-to-door salesman, Bill Porter, who was born with cerebral palsy. One might say Bill’s success as a door-to-door salesman began with UCP. Irene Porter, Bill’s mother, was an invaluable volunteer for UCP of Oregon throughout her lifetime. As a UCP fundraiser, people with cerebral palsy went door-to-door selling household items and earned a sales commission for their efforts. Irene Porter 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. He not only became one of the company’s top salesmen, but also inspired his long-time customers with his incredible tenacity and dedication.

Door To Door is the story of the disability movement as reflected in one man’s life. As a model for patience and persistence, Bill Porter teaches us to look at the person first, the disability second.

UCP applauds the work of William H. Macy in his extraordinary role as Bill Porter. Through his sensitivity, insight and passion, Macy brings Bill Porter to life, for those not lucky enough to have met the real man.

Join us in opening your doors to Door To Door! This film will soon be available in VHS and DVD format in your local video stores in December.

As the premiere disability charity in America founded in 1949, 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.

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