Outreach’s 40th Annual Metro Luncheon Raises Substantial Support

December 16, 2021

Outreach‘s Milestone 40th Annual Metropolitan Luncheon 

“Back Together Again” Fundraiser is a Major Success

The 40^th Annual Metropolitan Luncheon held by Outreach, New York’s leading nonprofit provider of high quality, evidence-based substance abuse treatment and training programs, themed “Back Together Again,” raised more than $883,000 earlier this month. Five hundred seventy guests attended the event at Cipriani 42^nd Street in Manhattan.

This year’s event honored three distinguished business and labor leaders whose commitment to Outreach helps sustain the organization’s mission to help adolescents, adults, and families battling drug and alcohol addiction: Kyle Bragg, president, SEIU 32BJ, recipient of the Jim Berg Memorial Award; Nick G. Hayden, senior vice president, Hudson Yards Management, Related Companies – Hudson Yards, recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award; and Vincent Alvarez, president, NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, who received the Labor Leader of the Year Award. The event chairperson was Daniel Kindbergh, executive vice president of operations at Brookfield Properties, and chairman of the Outreach Board of Directors.

“Our luncheon was an overwhelming success, especially given the circumstances of the past two years,” said Debra Pantin, president and CEO of Outreach. At the luncheon, Pantin told those gathered that the organization has been successful in continuing to provide treatment services, despite COVID, through tele-visits and continued operation of its residential facilities.

“We give a special thank you to our dedicated staff members and to those who have supported us through this challenging time. With your help, we have been able to continue to serve those who are in desperate need of treatment for alcohol and substance abuse issues.”

Kanasia, an 18 year old recent graduate of Outreach House in Ridgewood, Queens, spoke eloquently of how Outreach helped her through her addiction issues and spoke of her now-bright future. Kanasia plans to finish her education and operate her own business someday, largely in part, she said, because Outreach helped her realize that she can achieve her goals.

For more than 40 years, Outreach has offered leading behavioral health intervention, rehabilitation, and training programs at ten facilities in New York City and on Long Island. An annual tradition since 1981, the Metropolitan Luncheon celebrates the accomplishments of Outreach clients and families, and recognizes distinguished members of the New York metropolitan area business, labor, and trade communities who have made a commitment to helping the organization to rebuild healthy lives.

About Outreach

More than 40 years ago, Outreach opened its doors as a small assessment and referral center to engage people in the community struggling with addiction to seek help. Since then, its mission evolved to meet more needs and more communities. Today, Outreach inspires adolescents, adults, and their families to achieve a life of unlimited potential through high quality, evidence-based substance abuse treatment and training programs throughout New York City and Long Island.

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