New York, NY (May 7, 2008) – More than 500 people, including Kathy and Tom Freston, Judith Ripka, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, Tina Brown, Anne Keating, Gen. Barry McCaffrey, Shirley Lord Rosenthal, Liz Smith, Andrew Rosen (Theory) and Pamela Fiori, were among guests at the 40 th Anniversary Gala for Phoenix House, the nation’s largest non-profit substance abuse treatment and prevention service provider, held at the newly-renovated Plaza Hotel here tonight. The event raised approximately $2 million for Phoenix House programs around the country.
The event paid tribute to The Honorable Peter G. Peterson, Senior Chairman and Co-Founder, The Blackstone Group, for his support and commitment to Phoenix House programs and people. The gala also honored Mitchell S. Rosenthal, M.D., who founded Phoenix House on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in 1967.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg also delivered brief remarks of congratulations.
“Substance abuse is a problem that affects us all. It is everywhere and touches everyone. It saps our economy, menaces our communities, and strikes one family in four,” said Howard P. Meitiner, President and CEO of Phoenix House. “This is what makes the mission of Phoenix House such a vital one. For 40 years we have led the way in confronting the problems of addiction, helping men, women, and teens find their way to recovery and start new and rewarding lives. As we celebrate the past today, we look to the future. We are proud of the organization we have built these past 40 years. But see in the years to come to expand the reach and range of our services—to do more for more and in more places.”
Other members of the Gala Committee included Annette and Joseph Allen, Clara Bingham, Rose Marie Bravo, Marie Brenner and Ernie Pomerantz, Cynthia and Steve Brill, Ellen Chester and Matt Mallow, Emilia and Pepe Fanjul, Gail and Carl Icahn, Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, Catie and Don Marron, Keith and John Meacham, Liz and Damon Mezzacappa, Judy and Ed Ney, Susan and Alan Patricof, Holly Peterson and Rick Kimball, Sarah Simms Rosenthal, Diane Sawyer and Mike Nichols, Donna and Marvin Schwartz, Caryn and Jeff Zucker, and Barbara Walters.
Photos from the event are available at www.patrickmcmullan.com and at www.wireImage.com
About Phoenix House:
For 40 years, Phoenix House has served men, women and teens seeking assistance in conquering substance abuse. More than 7,000 people are served by Phoenix House every day across the country, at more than 120 locations across nine states including New York.
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Media Contact:
Karen Sodomick
(646) 505-2093
KSodomick@phoenixhouse.org