Community Access Honors Mega Contracting Group, Laurie M. Tisch, and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson
On Thursday, May 9th, 2024, we hosted our Golden Anniversary Good Neighbor Gala, a fundraiser and celebration to raise support for our critical work in ending homelessness and expanding opportunities for people living with mental health concerns by providing life-saving services to individuals and families across New York City, including supportive housing, hot meals, mental health care, and more.
Gala leadership included Gala Co-Chair Emmy-Award winning actor and director John Turturro, Gala Co-Chair Dan Wurtzel, Chairman of FirstService Residential New York, Gala Co-Chair Chamique Holdsclaw, WNBA Champion and U.S. Olympic Gold Athlete, and Gala Co-Chair Ricki Lake, Emmy-Award Winner, Actor, and Host.
The illustrious night featured remarks from Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter– one of the world’s largest crowd raising platforms for creatives, and special guest performances from the Young People’s Chorus of NYC and Vannessa Williams, award-winning actress, singer, producer, and Broadway star.
We proudly presented honorees with three distinct awards in recognition of their work in mental health, housing, and advocacy. Mega Contracting Group was presented with the Builder Champion Award. Mega’s dedication to building and developing quality supportive and affordable housing in New York City for over 3 decades has had a significant impact on the landscape of the city.
Laurie Tisch, Founder and President of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, was presented with the Mental Health Champion Award. A foundational supporter of the Changing Minds Young Filmmaker Festival, the fund strives to increase access and opportunity for all New Yorkers while fostering healthy and vibrant communities, with a focus on the intersection of arts and mental health.
Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx Borough President, was presented with the Champion for Change Award. Gibson has been a champion of supportive and affordable housing for years, working as a changemaker in the Bronx and supporting us through all the stages of our work.
“Tonight's gala is a testament to the transformative impact of Community Access’ mission– we’re proud to have achieved five decades of steadfast commitment to fostering a more equitable New York,” said Dan Wurtzel, Gala Co-Chair and Vice President of Community Access’ Board of Directors. “As one of the largest, nonprofit real estate developers in the city – and a leading provider of housing, job training, and support services– Community Access continues to be a changemaker for New Yorkers living with mental health concerns."
“It was wonderful to be able to gather as a community to mark this milestone year in our history– and to shed light on the ways so many people who live with mental health concerns and housing instability have been able to make meaningful changes in their lives through access to resources and community supports,” said Cal Hedigan, CEO of Community Access.
“Tonight is a testament to the amazing work that Community Access does to make these programs and residences possible and impact the lives of those less fortunate than us. On behalf of my partners, I want to thank Community Access for this recognition, all of you for your generosity which makes Community Access’ work possible, as well as our incredible Mega staff whose hard work helps turn these projects into reality,” said George Poulon of Mega Contracting Group.
“One of the many benefits of supporting organizations like Community Access is the pleasure of seeing something so life-changing and important grow and thrive. Cal Hedigan and her team at Community Access have created something momentous and we are proud to have helped make that possible. Here’s to many more years of changing hearts and minds.” said Laurie Tisch of Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund.
“It was an honor to join Community Access for its Good Neighbor Gala and to be recognized with the Champion of Change award. For 50 years, Community Access has been providing critical services for our residents in need and I look forward to our continued partnership supporting the residents of the Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.