Giving Hope Gala Raises over $1 million!

On Monday, November 16, Silver Hill Hospital held its sixth annual fall Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.  Some 450 people attended this year’s Giving Hope Gala, which honored renowned psychologist Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., and former Silver Hill Hospital patient, longtime supporter and celebrated talent agent Jonny Podell. Comedian Colin Quinn served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Buster Poindexter performed several songs, including his 1987 hit “Hot Hot Hot”.  World-renowned deejay and producer, DJ Cassidy, Jonny Podell’s son, also performed a special set.

This year’s Gala raised over $1 million, which will provide financial assistance for individuals who would benefit from Silver Hill’s long-term residential treatment programs but are without adequate resources to cover the costs.  The Gala included dinner, dancing, a live auction led by The Manhattan Auction House CEO Michael Powers, and an after-party.

Silver Hill Hospital’s first Gala took place in 2010 and was inspired by longtime supporters and former co-chairs Michael Cominotto and Dennis Basso to highlight the excellent treatment the hospital provides.

Dr. Marsha Linehan received the 2015 President’s Award. Marsha is Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and is founder and director of the Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics at the University of Washington.

Jonny Podell received the 2015 Visionary Award for his dedicated support of Silver Hill Hospital over many years. One of the most legendary behind-the-scenes figures in rock ‘n’ roll history, Jonny transformed the concert business. In a career spanning more than four decades, he has built a string of successful companies including the most recent, Podell Agency in New York City, where he represents musicians and conscious leaders.

Colin Quinn hosted the evening’s program. A stand-up comedian, actor and writer, Quinn is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live and Comedy Central. He is currently starring in a one-man show in New York City, has a recurring role on HBO’s Girls and is in the movie Trainwreck.

After the program concluded, DJ Cassidy turned the gala into a lively party. Guests danced to favorite songs including “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge and “Bad Girls” by Donna Summer. Cassidy’s regular clients include Jay Z, Beyoncé, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, Anna Wintour, Oprah Winfrey, and President Barack Obama. He has released his own music featuring Robin Thicke, Jessie J, R. Kelly, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Nile Rodgers, while his current single “Future Is Mine” features Chromeo and Wale.

This year, Anna Bulgari served as the Giving Hope Gala chairperson. Karine Haimo and Natalie Haimo were the Junior Committee chairs. The Honorary Committee included David Blaine, Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., Daniel Day-Lewis, Ron Delsener, Melissa Errico and Patrick McEnroe, Tommy Hilfiger, Cyndi Lauper, Nicole Miller, James Nederlander, Susan Sarandon, Rosanna Scotto, Steven Tyler and James D. Watson, Ph.D.

Notable attendees included: Colin Quinn (comedian/actor), Buster Poindexter (performer), David Blaine (magician/illusionist), Jonny Podell (honoree/talent agent), DJ Cassidy, Dennis Basso (fashion designer) and Michael Cominotto (board member), Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. (honoree), Dr. Sig Ackerman (President/ Medical Director), Beverly and Peter Orthwein (Chairman, Board of Directors), Anna Bulgari (Gala chairperson), Karine Haimo and Natalie Haimo (Junior Committee chairs), Amy Fine Collins, Bettina Zilkha, Debbie Bancroft, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Dayassi and Paul Kanavos, Gigi Grimstad, Todd Hollander (Board member) and Natalia Bulgari, Ron Delsener, Michael Cohl.