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NEW YORK, N.Y.
(June 8, 2017) – The
Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC) raised
$516,625 to support programs and services that improve the lives
of people impacted by mental health challenges in New York City
and across the United States. The organization’s 25th Anniversary
Gala, which was held at Gotham Hall in Manhattan and themed
"Just Talk About It: Stories of Recovery and Success," focused
on the power of "just talking about" mental health concerns and
celebrated people whose public words and deeds have helped
thousands find hope and care.
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First Lady of
New York City Chirlane McCray was
honored for her unprecedented leadership and commitment
around her ThriveNYC initiative and her introduction of NYC
Well, the City’s comprehensive call, text, and chat hotline
for mental health support.
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New York Giants Wide-Receiver Brandon
Marshall and his wife Michi Marshall were
recognized for their passionate mental health advocacy since
2010, when Brandon disclosed his lifelong struggle with
Borderline Personality Disorder and became an inspiration
and role model to fans everywhere.
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The Zirinsky
family was
recognized for over 50 years and 3 generations of continuous
Board membership and unwavering commitment to improving
mental health services.
Cynthia Zirinsky, founder of Gracie Square Hospital and
the Richard and Cynthia Zirinsky Center for Bipolar Disorder
at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, was honored along with
her daughter, legendary CBS News producer Susan
Zirinsky; her son-in-law, TV news innovator, Joe
Peyronnin; and her granddaughter, Morgan Stanley
executive Cynthia
Eckes.
“It’s gratifying to see the wide range of support
shown at our Gala to promote mental health and emotional
wellbeing,” said Kimberly
Williams, President of MHA-NYC. “Not only did we exceed our
fundraising goal, but we brought the conversation about mental
health issues into the open and demonstrated how simply talking
can lead others to take action and achieve wellness."
More than 300 leaders in business and government
attended the event, which was hosted for the second year in a
row by Bill
Ritter, Co-Anchor
of WABC's Eyewitness
News, who
lent his support to underscore the prevalence of mental health
conditions and the importance of sharing our stories.
With less than 40% of people with mental health
conditions receiving treatment, MHA-NYC is a leading provider of
innovative mental health services, advocacy, and education in
New York City and across the country. Monies raised at the Gala
directly support these efforts and the millions of people who
benefit from them every year.
About the Mental
Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC):
The
Mental Health Association of New York City is a non-profit
organization with local roots and national reach. For over 50
years, MHA-NYC has been leading the way in mental health through
our three-part mission of service, advocacy and education. Our
mission is to identify unmet needs and develop culturally
sensitive programs to improve the lives of individuals and
families impacted by mental illness while promoting the
importance of mental health. Among other life-saving work, MHA-NYC
administers the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the
Veterans Crisis Line, and the NFL Life Line. MHA-NYC is also a
key partner in Mayor de Blasio's ThriveNYC mental health
initiative, administering NYC Well, the connection to free,
confidential mental health and substance misuse support for all
New Yorkers via phone, text or chat. www.mhaofnyc.org
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