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MHA Gala Honors a Legend, Welcomes New Leader

A warm, heartfelt tribute to Barbara Geist made MHA’s annual Gala a wonderful success. On October 18th, more than 200 people joined MHA in celebrating the organization’s “Community of Caring, ” raising $160,000. The success of the evening supports the wide range of mental health care that MHA provides to Westchester’s children and their families while promoting dignity and care for people with mental illness.

George R. Farnham Award Recipient

At the Gala, longtime MHA supporter Barbara Geist was presented with MHA’s most prestigious award, the George R. Farnham Award, for her unwavering dedication to MHA and the Westchester community. All three former award winners, Patricia H. Ogden, Esq., Jean L. Stone and Lois Cowan, joined together with great pride to present the honor and chronicle Barbara’s many achievements. Barbara has been an MHA Board member, volunteer, advocate and leader for over 30 years and has won the respect and love of the Westchester community. She was noted for her steadfastness and elegance; for her intelligence and compassion; and most of all, for her inspiration to keep on fighting for what is right. MHA is extremely proud to honor Barbara and celebrate her accomplishments.

MHA’s New CEO/Executive Director

Dr. Amy Kohn was introduced as MHA’s new CEO/Executive Director and spoke of her excitement and joy at becoming the new leader of an organization that aspires to the highest levels of excellence and most profound, healing impacts on people’s lives. Dr. Kohn invited everyone to remember and rediscover the importance of the profound work that we do and celebrate it this evening.

Gala Entertainment

The Gala included a live jazz performance by legendary saxophonist Carmen Leggio. Three other accomplished musicians joined Mr. Leggio: Mr. Bill Crow, Mr. Hiroshi Yamazaki and Ms. Glenda Davenport, all of whom have been performing in the New York area for decades. Longtime friends, along with new faces, were able to take part in this memorable evening.

Our Sponsors

The evening would not have been possible without the support of our Gala Sponsor, Pfizer, and Gala Patrons: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Clarfeld Financial Advisors, Inc., Epstein, Becker and Green, P.C. and Jean and Donald Stone.

MHA thanks all who participated in supporting and celebrating the “Community of Caring.”

Norma Sokoloff, George R. Farnham Award recipient Barbara Geist and June Lurie All George R. Farnham Award winners: Lois Cowan, Jean L. Stone, Barbara Geist and
Patricia H. Ogden, Esq.
Above left are Norma Sokoloff, George R. Farnham Award recipient Barbara Geist and June Lurie. Above right are all the George R. Farnham Award winners: Lois Cowan, Jean L. Stone, Barbara Geist and Patricia H. Ogden, Esq.
MHA Board members Norman J. Michaels, Jr., Jill H. Shore, Geoffrey Kent, Esq., Hon.
Mary F. Foster MHA CEO/Executive Director Dr. Amy Kohn and Board Secretary Geoffrey Kent, Esq.
Above left are MHA Board members Norman J. Michaels, Jr., Jill H. Shore, Geoffrey Kent, Esq. and the Hon. Mary F. Foster. Above right are MHA CEO/Executive Director Dr. Amy Kohn and Board Secretary Geoffrey Kent, Esq.
The Geist Family Braulio and Alison Flores with Donna and Rick Suarez
Pictured above left are the Geist family. Above right are Braulio and Alison Flores with Donna and Rick Suarez.
Darlene Rodriguez Glenda Davenport and Carmen Leggio
Pictured above left is Gala Host Darlene Rodriguez. Pictured above right are Glenda Davenport (singing) and Carmen Leggio (saxopohone).

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