Irwin Buck was a young businessman when he first encountered United Cerebral Palsy. Eager to help the charity, he offered to have his beer route salesmen drop off and collect canisters at various restaurants and bars. Irwin would deliver the funds to UCP that was operating, as many disability organizations did at that time, out of a church basement. When dropping off funds one day his heart was snared by a cute, little red-headed girl who grabbed his pant leg and wouldn't let go. From that moment on United Cerebral Palsy became his passion. Mr. Buck and UCP became synonymous. Increasingly involved with UCP, Mr. Buck became treasurer of UCP of Prince George's County. His passion and leadership soon resulted in his election as president of the organization. He served as president for 16 years after which he was elected Chairman of the Board, a position he held for 6 years. Mr. Buck's business flourished, providing him a greater presence in Southern Maryland, and in particular in Prince George's County. His community involvement was vast but always in the forefront was a willingness to help and promote UCP. It is estimated that he raised more than $750,000 for the local affiliate.

Additionally, Mr. Buck helped the national organization, United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCPA). UCPA's historian, Charles Neilson, has indicated that Mr. Buck was involved early on in helping to affirm the relationship between Miller Brewing Company and United Cerebral Palsy Association. This relationship evolved into a national partnership lasting more than 22 years, wherein millions of dollars have been donated to local UCP affiliates and the national organization.

Outgrowing the confines of available space of the church in the mid-70s, Mr. Buck led an effort to secure a surplus elementary school building in Bowie, Maryland. This building became a wonderful home for United Cerebral Palsy from 1978 through October 2003.

On a glorious Sunday in 1987, the building was dedicated as the Wm. Irwin Buck Center.

Mindful that there was always a possibility that the school facility could be taken back by the Board of Education, these words were part of the program booklet at the original dedication:

Brick, concrete, steel and glass make a building. Human spirit and energy make a building into a center. For over twenty-five years Wm. Irwin Buck dedicated his spirit, talent, and energies to helping disabled individuals. In so doing, Mr. Buck ignited the talent and energies of others and through his leadership forged programs and services. Thousands of lives have been touched by these efforts. Forever, the spirit, energies and activities of the Wm. Irwin Buck Center will be associated with the man who made it possible - Mr. UCP.

With the rapid population growth in Bowie, the building was needed for conversion back to an elementary school. New and improved space has been found in Lanham in the Forbes Business Center. The new space is being vitalized. Mr. Buck's influence and example still guide our organization as affirmed by our dedication of the new facility as the Wm. Irwin Buck Center.

"When it comes to kids, I take the time" - Irwin Buck