THE EVENT
The concept for Books for a Better Life was born fourteen years ago with the intention of recognizing authors of self-improvement books who impacted the second half of the 20th century more than any other genre. Submissions are received in ten categories that are judged independently and the winners will be honored on Monday, February 22, 2010 at a gala ceremony at The Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York City. All profits from the evening are in support of national MS research and the hundreds of annual programs and services the New York City - Southern New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides people living with MS, their friends and family. The Books for a Better Life Awards have raised over $1.6 million since 1996 thanks to the support of the publishing industry.
WHO WE HONOR
Authors who published a self-improvement book in 2009 (copyright date must correlate) are eligible to receive an award at the 2010 ceremony. One winner will be chosen from five finalists selected in each of ten categories: Childcare/Parenting, First Book, Green, Inspirational Memoir, Motivational, Psychology, Relationships, Spiritual, Wellness and, back by popular demand, Personal Finance.
HALL OF FAME MEMBERS
Jane Brody, Helen Gurley Brown, Toni Burbank, Jack Canfield, Deepak Chopra, Judy Collins, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Oscar Dystel, John Gray, Mark Victor Hansen, Laurence Kirshbaum, Heidi Murkoff, Suzanne Somers, Dr. Andrew Weil and Peter Workman. Michael F. Roizen, MD and Mehmet C. Oz, MD, co-authors of the New York Times #1 bestselling YOU book series and Robert S. Miller, president, HarperStudio, HarperCollins Publishers were inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2009 event.
PAST EVENT CHAIRS
Tami Heim, Carolyn Reidy, Phyllis Grann, Laurence Kirshbaum, Bob Miller, Steve Murphy of Rodale and Peter Workman have all served as Lead Event Chairs.
PAST HONORARY CHAIRS
Hillary Rodham Clinton, Christopher Reeve, Lance Armstrong and Montel Williams.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Scott Manning, Will Balliett, Rick Bonti, Cevin Bryerman, Carol Fass, Michael J. Fine, Sue Fleming, Patricia Gift, Jerry Giuseffi, Lynn Goldberg, Rebecca Gradinger, Kim Cox Hicks, Betsy Hulsebosch, Natalie Kaire, Michael Kazan, Jaclyn Levin, Esther Margolis, Daisy Maryles, Kristin M. Matthews, Libby McGuire, Sandi Mendelson, Patty Neger, David Nudo, Liz Perl, Toni Sciarra Poynter, Vincenzo Ruggiero, Andrea Smith, Robert Solomon, Esq., Rochelle Stolzenberg, Nancy Trypuc, Suzanne Wickham and Gretchen Young.
SELF-IMPROVEMENT BOOKS AND THE SOCIETY
There is a natural partnership between self-improvement books and the mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Living with a chronic illness and overcoming life’s challenges go hand-in-hand with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
HOW THE BOOKS FOR A BETTER LIFE AWARDS RAISE MONEY
There are five revenue streams from which money is raised through the Books for a Better Life Awards: sponsorships, co-chair packages, ticket sales, journal ad sales and submission fees. All proceeds benefit the New York City - Southern New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.