MHA-NYC Hosts Annual Benefit Gala Tonight, 6/5

The Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC) will host its annual benefit gala tonight, 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.