44th Anniversary Gala Raises $1.2 Million!

09 MAY 2018

44th Anniversary Gala Raises $1.2 Million!

By Steve Coe - (former) CEO

I'm delighted to report that our 44th Anniversary Good Neighbor Gala, on May 3 at 583 Park Avenue, was our most successful yet — raising $1.2 million in support of our work.

It's always great to welcome so many friends and supporters to celebrate the important work of Community Access, and, this year, it was also our honor to recognize Gabourey Sidibe as our Mental Health Advocate of the Year.

We count on fundraising support to keep doing what we do, and to stay on the frontlines of housing and mental health in New York City. Thanks to the continuing generosity of our supporters — and the industrious dedication of our staff — more New Yorkers will have a place to live, opportunities to find meaningful employment, and the support services we work so hard to provide. I'm most grateful!

Event highlights included:

Gabourey Sidibe sharing some of her story, in her inimitable style
An uplifting speech by CA tenant Phyllis Fisher, which championed the power of kindness
A rousing 'fund-a-need' that doubled as a celebration of supportive housing and mental health advocacy
The debut of our new short film (see below), Free to Be Yourself