I recently went to the Healing TREE's 10th Annual Gala at the beautiful Players Club in New York City. Though it was an event to raise money for a mental health disorder, I found it did my mental health a world of good.
It was one of the most beautiful and interesting fundraising galas I have attended in quite some time. First, the location was superb. The Players Club is a unique 1847 Guilded Age mansion at 16 Grammercy Park South in New York City. The period architecture is complemented by halls decked with framed photos of their members going back over 100 years. Most people will be able to recognize some of their favorite actors from past and present on the walls. The building was the home of renowned actor Edwin Booth.
The event was black-tie event. The cocktail reception was held in the front room, overlooking the street. We were serenaded by the melodic, soothing tunes of the American Jazz Band Annie Hägg’s Hot Five. Also, Magician and Mentalist Dan Winter provided pre-show entertainment.
The dinner was served in the grand hall, replete with gorgeous wood paneling. But, aside from the location and aesthetic of the event, the program itself was quite wonderful. It was a well-produced show. There were several speakers talking about Healing TREE and its work. Founder Marissa Ghavami spoke candidly about her history and why she started the organization. There was a showing of the short film, The Knock Shadow, with a talk back after. Best-Selling Author, EMDR Trainer and Expressive Artist Dr. Jamie Marich also spoke.
The entertainment - not necessarily a staple at many Galas I have attended - was superb -
featuring familiar faces from Broadway, film and television. The lineup included Tony, Emmy and Grammy Nominee N’Kenge, West End favorite Christina Bianco, Broadway’s Pooya Mohseni (English, OBC) and Mia Pinero (Sweeney Todd, West Side Story), film and television stars John Magaro (Past Lives, The Big Short) and Kevin Kilner (Raising Helen, Home Alone 3), and Award-winning Touring/Recording Artist and Theatrical Composer Lila Blue, To end the evening the guests were wowed by Magician and Mentalist Dan Winter.
Kudos to the producers - Dr. Jessica Means Music Directed. Healing TREE Founding Executive + Artistic Director Marissa Ghavami produced the event and Janelle Yull co-produced.
I learned so much about the disorder and was entertained at the same time. Kudos to Marissa Ghavami, the founder of the organization, for putting together the event and raising awareness about this little known affliction. With more funding, she can continue her mission of providing therapy, hope and care to those struggling with a history of abuse.
About Healing Tree:
Healing TREE (Trauma Resources, Education & Entertainment) advocates healing from abuse and trauma rather than coping with the symptoms, in order to transform lives and, ultimately, society. They achieve this by providing trauma-focused resources and education and by producing and partnering with relevant film, television, and theatre, empowering the social change necessary to create a healing movement. To learn more about Healing TREE, please visit their website at www.healingtreenonprofit.org.
PHOTOS BELOW: All photos credit @AlexRiveroPhoto (FB & IG) unless otherwise specified.
THE RED CARPET
 |
| Photo Credit - Staff |
 |
| Credit: Staff photo |
 |
| Credit: Staff Photo |
THE PRESENTATION & PERFORMANCES
.jpg)
