The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), Greater New York Chapter, hosted their Eighteenth Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria on Thursday, April 28, 2011.  This year’s luncheon was hosted by WABC Channel 7’s Eyewitness News Anchor Diana Williams.

This year, the Women of Distinction Luncheon honored three outstanding women.  CCFA Board Member Michele Sweetwood received the Woman of Distinction Award. Michele has been a dedicated member of the CCFA Board since 2000, and for the past 12 years she has co-chaired the Women of Distinction Luncheon and has been a driving force in raising funds in the hopes of finding a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Celebrity jeweler, Lorraine Schwartz was honored with the Woman of Distinction In Business Award.  Lorraine is an internationally renowned jewelry designer whose iconic designs have been worn by some of the most fashionable women in the world.

This year’s Rising Star Award was presented to 16-year-old Lizzy Noble, who after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in her freshman year of high school, has faced her disease with courage, humor and strength and is committed to helping others with the disease.

This year’s luncheon featured a fashion show presented by Bergdorf Goodman, featuring the Evening Collections of Alexandra Vidal, Andrew GN, CD Greene, J. Mendel, Kaufman Franco, Naeem Khan, Oscar de la Renta and Zuhair Murad; Jewelry by Sister Act Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira; Evening bags by Judith Leiber; and Makeup by Trish McEvoy.

The mission of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. Since 1967, CCFA has been the leader in research, advocacy, and patient support for those suffering from these diseases.  Approximately 80 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to research and support. It is estimated that 1.4 million Americans suffer from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, approximately 150,000 of whom are children under the age of 18. Since its inception, the Foundation has funded over $136 million dollars in direct research grants and as a result, has seen the development of important new medications and improved surgical procedures. CCFA currently supports more than 150 grants at some of the finest research institutions in the world. Proceeds from the monies raised at the Women of Distinction Luncheon will be used to fund mission-critical programs, including a variety of pediatric programs and initiatives.

Nancy Brown, Co-Founder of the Women of Distinction Luncheon eighteen years ago and Jim Gold, President and CEO of Bergdorf Goodman were this year’s Honorary Chairs. Luncheon Chairs Ellen Crown, Jill Heller, Elyse Newhouse and Michelle Swarzman have all personally been touched by Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.   Over the past 18 years the chairs have helped to raise over $13 million to help find a cure for these diseases.