|
NEW YORK, NY – The Mental Health Association of New York
City (MHA-NYC) will host our annual benefit gala on June 5th
at Cipriani 42nd Street. The name of the event, “Bridges to
Mental Health: A Celebration of Hope” reflects the
connection we are making between mental health and brain
injury, as well as the new relationships we are building
between soldiers, scientists and athletes coming together to
advance this critical cause.
This year, the gala takes on special significance as the
organization launches the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and
Emotional Wellness Alliance, an advocacy group dedicated to
raising awareness of the mental health impact of TBI. Three
collaborative Councils, consisting of leaders in sports,
science, and veteran’s affairs, advise the Alliance, and
drive recognition, science-based information, and sound
policy and advocacy initiatives at the convergence of mental
health and TBI issues from the schoolyard and stadium, to
the battlefield.
The Alliance joins two existing groups—the Geriatric Mental
Health Alliance and the Veterans Mental Health
Coalition—under the banner of MHA-NYC’s Center for Policy,
Advocacy, and Education.
“MHA’s annual benefit is the largest opportunity each year
for our organization to raise needed funds to continue our
vital, life-saving work. This year, the Mental Health
Association of New York City is proud to expand the gala to
serve as a launch event for the TBI and Emotional Wellness
Alliance. The Alliance will have a lasting legacy on many
thousands of recreational and professional athletes,
veterans, and their families by advocating on their behalf
to raise awareness of the behavioral health impact of
concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries,” said
Giselle Stolper, President and CEO of MHA-NYC.
Award winning ABC news correspondent, Bob Woodruff
and his wife, Lee Woodruff, will co-host this year’s
MHA-NYC Gala. Frank Branchini, President and COO of
EmblemHealth, serves as Dinner Chair.
The benefit will honor Harry Carson, NY Giants Hall
of Fame linebacker for his pioneering work in bringing
attention and focus to the devastating effects of sports
related traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as his success
in making sports safer for youth.
MHA-NYC will also recognize both Sylvia Mackey, widow
of the Colt’s John Mackey and co-founder of the NFL’s “88
Plan”, a program set up to provide financial resources for
the care of retired pro players who suffer the effects of
debilitating TBI, and Sarah Rainey, student advocate
for concussion education and management.
Vice Chairs for “A Celebration of Hope” are:
Scott Cutler,
EVP/Co-Head of U.S Listings and Cash Execution, NYSE
Euronext;
Mitch Rudin,
President and CEO, U.S. Commercial Operations, Brookfield
Office Properties; Matthew Van Buren, President,
CBRE's New York Tri-State Region and Cynthia Zirinsky,
Chairman of the Board, New York Gracie Square
Hospital.
The Sports Council for “A Celebration of Hope” attendees
includes
Mark Bavaro, Gary Beban, Brian Carcaterra, Paul Carcaterra,
Howard Cross, Mike Ditka, Frank Gifford, Keith Hernandez,
Phaidra Knight, George Martin, Earl Monroe, Mike Murphy, Bob
Papa
and AB Whitfield.
Learn more about the event and sponsorship opportunities at
www.mhaevent.com.
MHA-NYC
is a non-profit organization that addresses mental health
needs in New York City and across the nation. It is a local
organization with national impact and has a three-part
mission of services, advocacy and education. For over 40
years, MHA-NYC has identified unmet needs and worked to
develop culturally sensitive services and programs to
improve lives while promoting the importance of mental
wellness.
www.mhaofnyc.org
|