What a great night with the NAMI-NYC family! Thank you!
With the support of gala attendees, we were able to raise over $400,000. That means that we can provide our programs and services to New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs. From our wonderful MC to our committed and passionate honorees, it was an evening that celebrated the best of who we can be, and the wonderful people who care about what we do. For those who were able to join us (over 400 guests!), it was great to have you with us to celebrate the NAMI-NYC community. The energy and enthusiasm in the room was electric. All of you who care about our mission made that happen. And we can’t thank you enough.
Keep checking this page for more photos. Meanwhile, look for your picture on our Instagram here and here, and the Bosco!
Our MC
Darryl DMC McDaniels
One of the pioneers of Hip-Hop culture and a founding member of Run-DMC, DMC is an author and mental health advocate. He recently published his memoir, Ten Ways Not To Commit Suicide.
Our Honorees
Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio
Corporate Leader of the Year
Ken is a national thought leader on workplace mental health. As a member of Prudential’s Health and Wellness executive team, he has been instrumental in creating a culture of employee well-being, benefiting both employees and their families. He has also been an active participant in NAMI-NYC Metro’s Workplace Mental Health Summit series.
Karen Alvarez
The Adele Anshien Volunteer of the Year
NAMI Basics teacher and trainer, support group facilitator, and chairperson on the Family Advisory Board, Karen came to NAMI-NYC Metro in 2011 in need of support for her 13-year old daughter. Since then, she has taught NAMI Basics over 20 times and recently took a trip to Albany for Advocacy Day. “Walking through the door of NAMI feels like coming home. It’s always there, always supportive, even if the people change.”
Jaclyn Stapp
#IWillListen Catalyst For Change
Because of her commitment to telling her story, she gives families hope. We honor her with this award for promoting family inclusion in mental health care. Jaclyn’s Grammy award wining husband has bravely shared his personal journey with bipolar disorder. Through their story, they have found an opportunity to turn a spotlight on mental health awareness. They are tremendous advocates for the cause, and their work has helped many other individuals and families with similar experiences.
The Seeds of Hope Gala is sponsored in part by the following generous supporters:
Chairs: Richard DeMartini & Jenny Brorsen | The Dextra Baldwin McGonagle Foundation | James G. Dinan & Elizabeth Miller | Prudential Financial
Co-Chair: PwC
Vice-Chairs: Michael Halpern | Andrew Monshaw | Barbara Ricci | Nathan Romano | Jeffrey Schoenfeld
Corporate Members: Empire BlueCross BlueShield | UnitedHealthcare | Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Contributing Sponsor: Brain & Behavior Research Foundation | Gracie Square Hospital | LifeCare
Donor Sponsor: Peter & Lisl Brennan | New York-Presbyterian Hospital | Michele and Joseph Romano | Michael Thompson
Table Hosts: Michele Allison | Beacon Health Options | CBS Corporation | Deutsche Bank Women’s Network | Craig Dinsell | Gracie Square Hospital | Newmark Holdings | Timothy Price & Susan Rudolph | Susan and Sam Schwartz | Wayne Streibich | J. Walter Thompson | Michael Thompson
Host Committee: Hasnah Alls | Marissa Bianco | Christian Elloie | Colby Foss | Maryclaire Grace | Marni Isaacson | Kunaal Kanagal | Rima Reddy | Joshua Romano | David Shapiro | Sophy Wu
