Books for a Better Life Awards Event History
The Event
The concept for Books for a Better Lifewas born seventeen years ago in 1995 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 ten categories that are judged independently, and the winners will be announced during an awards ceremony hosted by TV personality Meredith Vieira and the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society at The TimesCenter in Manhattan on March 11, 2013. 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 600 authors and has now raised more than $1.9 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 2012 (copyright date must correlate). The chapter will accept submissions from May 21 through September 14, 2012. One winner will be chosen from five finalists in each of the following categories: Childcare/Parenting, Cookbook, First Book, Green, Inspirational Memoir, Motivational, Psychology, Relationships, Spiritual, Wellness and Young Adult/Non-Fiction.
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, , Skip Prichard, Jamie Raab Carolyn Reidy, Michael F. Roizen, MD, Suzanne Somers, . Dr. Nancy Snyderman, Dr. Andrew Weil, and Peter Workman
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, Michael J. Fine, Sue Fleming, Jerry Giuseffi, Lynn C. Goldberg, Kim Cox Hicks, Carol Hoenig, Betsy Hulsebosch, Michael Kazan, Daisy Kline, 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.