2016 Silver Hill Hospital
Giving Hope Gala

7th Annual Gala a Success!

On Monday, November 14, Silver Hill Hospital held its seventh annual fall Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. MSNBC’s Morning Joe co-anchors Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski hosted the evening. Former NBA player Chris Herren attended as a special guest speaker. The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation  received the President’s Award. Rocco Marotta, MD, PhD accepted the Visionary Award.

More than 500 guests attended the 2016 Giving Hope Gala that included dinner, dancing, a live auction and an after-party with the music of DJ Cassidy. The event raised more than $1.15 million for Silver Hill Hospital’s Patient Financial Aid Fund, serving individuals who would benefit from the hospital’s long-term residential treatment programs but are without adequate resources to cover the costs.

Herren is the founder of The Herren Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing treatment navigation, educational and mentoring programs to those touched by addiction and to educate people of all ages on the dangers of substance abuse.

The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation received the President’s Award from SHH President and Medical Director Dr. Sigurd Ackerman. The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is committed to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that will lead to advances and breakthroughs in scientific research.

Rocco Marotta, MD, PhD received the 2016 Visionary Award for his outstanding work as a psychiatrist in Silver Hill Hospital’s Transitional Living Program.  Alexandra Zerzan shared her personal story during the evening as well. She is a former patient and current employee who helps patients and families transition into residential programs.

Lucas Hunt served as auctioneer. This year, Sadri Garakani was the Giving Hope Gala Honorary Chair. Todd Hollander and Audrey Zinman served as Co-Chairs. Amir Garakani, MD and Matthew Griepp, MD were the Junior Committee Co-Chairs. The Honorary Committee included Jennifer L. Ashton, MD, David Blaine, Anna Bulgari, DJ Cassidy, Dick Cavett, Daniel Day-Lewis, Ron Delsener, Tommy Hilfiger, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Lawrence Kudlow, Cyndi Lauper, Marsha Linehan, PhD, Susan Sarandon, Donna & Phillip Satow, Nancy Stillerman, Steven Tyler and James D. Watson, PhD.