Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

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Our History

Celebrating 29 Years

Since 1993, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation has hosted the Women of Distinction Luncheon, which over the past 29 years has become the top fundraiser for the organization raising more than $32 million for research and education programs. In the past two years of the event being in hiatus due to COVID-19, our campaign has successfully raised over $2 million, thanks to the generosity of loyal supporters like you.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Co-Chairs of the Women of Distinction committee have decided to postpone the annual luncheon for another year, and we look forward to coming together in-person next spring, in 2023. As we face the third year in a row that we delay our physical gathering, we earnestly seek your continued support. Your contribution this year is more critical than ever as we hope to defeat the global pandemic and raise funds to meet the needs of our IBD community.

Our Honorees

Our Fashion Shows

Our Timeline

1967
The Beginning
The National Foundation for Ileitis and Colitis is founded by Shelby and Bill Modell, Irwin and Suzanne Rosenthal, and Dr. Henry Janowitz.
1967
1972
Patient Education
The Foundation takes its first step in patient education by publishing the brochure, “Some Frequently Asked Questions about Ileitis & Colitis.”
1972
1993
Inaugural Event
The first Women of Distinction Luncheon Event takes place in NYC.
1993
1998
Celebrating Five Years!
Co-Chair Karen Lauder, Pamela Farkas, honoree Barbara Barrie, honoree Dr. Georgia Witkin, Barbara Solomon, MC Rosanna Scotto and Co-Chair Ellen Crown.
1998
1999
Venue Change
Women of Distinction Luncheon officially moves venue from The Pierre to The Waldorf Astoria, where it is held for the next 18 years.
1999
2001
DNA Breakthrough
Through research funded by the Foundation, the first gene to confer susceptibility to Crohn’s disease, NOD2 on chromosome 16, is discovered.
2001
2003
Celebrating Ten Years!
Designer Douglas Hannant with Co-Chairs Ellen Crown, Michele Sweetwood and Elyse Newhouse.
2003
2004
Tip Top Fundraising
Women of Distinction Luncheon raises over $1 million, positioning itself as the highest fundraising event for Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation nationwide.
2004
2008
Celebrating 15 Years!
Honoree Nancy Lynn with host, Cynthia McFadden.
2008
2011
Crohn’s & Colitis Caucus
The Foundation establishes the first-ever Crohn’s & Colitis Caucus,  a bi-partisan group of Members of the House of Representatives that work together to advance policies that help patients. 
2011
2013
Celebrating 20 Years!
Honoree Michelle Swarzman, with Honorary Chair, Diane Miller, and family.
2013
2014
RISK Study
The largest group of pediatric patients in the history of Crohn’s disease studied from the time of diagnosis. This study has been able to identify biomarkers that can predict the disease course and severity in kids with IBD even at the time of diagnosis.
2014
2018
Celebrating 25 Years!
Honoree Marilyn Chinitz with family.
2018
2019
Momentum = Advocacy
With its last in-person gathering, the Women of Distinction Luncheon raises nearly $30 million since its inception in 1993.
2019
2020-2022
Together Apart
Annual event is postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020-2022
2023
Save The Date!
Join us on May 11, 2023
The best is yet to come!
2023
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120 Broadway • Suite 1050A
New York, NY 10271
1 (646) 388-9282

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It was founded in 1967 by Irwin M. and Suzanne Rosenthal, William D. and Shelby Modell, and Henry D. Janowitz, M.D. in New York City. Headquartered in lower Manhattan, the Greater New York Chapter serves all five boroughs.

Questions?
Please contact Stella Lee: slee@crohnscolitisfoundation.org

© 2023 Crohns & Colitis Foundation Greater New York Chapter. All rights Reserved.

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