Books for a Better Life Awards Event History
THE EVENT
The concept for Books for a Better Life was born sixteen years ago with the intention of recognizing self-improvement authors, a genre impacting the second half of the 20th century more than any other. Submissions are received in 10 categories that are judged independently, and the winners will be announced during an awards ceremony hosted by the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society in Manhattan in early March 2012. All proceeds from the evening will help fund national multiple sclerosis research and comprehensive programs and services for people affected by MS. Since its inception in 1996, Books for a Better Life has honored more than 500 authors and has now raised more than $1.8 million to speed our progress toward achieving a world free of MS thanks to the support of the publishing industry.
WHO WE HONOR
Authors who published a self-improvement book in 2011 (copyright date must correlate). The chapter will accept submissions from May 16 through September 16, 2011. One winner will be chosen from five finalists in each of the following ten categories: Childcare/Parenting, First Book, Green, Inspirational Memoir, Motivational, Personal Finance, Psychology, Relationships, Spiritual and Wellness.
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, Robert S. Miller, Mehmet C. Oz, MD, Carolyn Reidy, Michael F. Roizen, MD, Suzanne Somers, Dr. Andrew Weil, and Peter Workman. Dr. Nancy Snyderman, NBC News Chief Medical Editor and Jamie Raab, Executive Vice President and Publisher of Grand Central Publishing were inducted at the 2011 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, Edward Ash-Milby, Will Balliett, Cevin Bryerman, Carol Fass, Michael J. Fine, Sue Fleming, Jerry Giuseffi, Lynn Goldberg, Kim Cox Hicks, Carol Hoenig, Betsy Hulsebosch, Michael Kazan, Esther Margolis, Sandi Mendelson, Stephanie Monte, Patty Neger, David Nudo, Liz Perl, Toni Sciarra Poynter, Roberta Reissman, Vincenzo Ruggiero, Robert N. Solomon, Esq., Nancy Trypuc, Suzanne Wickham, Gretchen Young
THE CONNECTION
There is a natural partnership between self-improvement books and the mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Living with a chronic, unpredictable illness and overcoming life’s challenges go hand-in-hand with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
HOW WE RAISE MONEY
There are five revenue streams from which we raise money to help create a world free of MS 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.