BANGOR – United Cerebral Palsy of Maine honored Cynthia Donaldson with the 2004 People and Promise Award at a reception Friday night.

UCP of Maine presents the award to a person who has significantly enhanced the lives of people living with disabilities in Maine.

Donaldson founded Special Children’s Friends, a program for preschool children with special needs. It is based in Hancock County. Donaldson served as the program’s executive director from 1989 until her retirement earlier this year.

She has been a longtime advocate before the Legislature for children with special needs and is a founding advisory committee member of the Parents Are Teachers home-visitation program. Donaldson also serves on the boards of the Maine Association of Infant Mental Health, and she volunteers as a member of the Zero to Three Coalition of Hancock County.

UCP of Maine was founded in 1954 to advocate for and provide services for people living with disabilities.

Through its childhood programs, summer camps and other programs, UCP of Maine has served thousands of people over the years.