Brook Lane is thrilled to announce the success of its 3rd annual Bridge to Hope Affair held on Saturday, April 27th. This black-tie optional event, hosted at Cortland Mansion, had 160 guests, featured more than 20 Silent Auction items, and garnered the generous support of nearly 30 contributing sponsors.
The Bridge to Hope Affair, a cornerstone event in Brook Lane’s calendar, celebrated significant milestones in the organization’s history. Highlighting 75 years of dedicated service, the evening showcased the exceptional contributions of Brook Lane employees, supporters, and sponsors. The festivities commenced with a cocktail hour featuring hors d’oeuvres, music, and a photo booth.
Victoria Beachley, Chair of the newly reinstated Brook Lane Foundation, welcomed attendees with warm remarks, emphasizing the Foundation’s commitment to advancing Brook Lane’s mission through philanthropy and support. Jeff O’Neal, CEO, continued the evening’s proceedings by introducing a new tradition, highlighting the top four Mission in Motion Award winners from the past year, who vied for the coveted Employee of the Year award. The winner, Candi Sharrah, was determined by a vote from Brook Lane’s Board of Directors and received an award for outstanding service.
In a poignant moment, Jeff O’Neal surprised long-time employee Sharon Gladfelter with a special Brook Lane award, recognizing her unparalleled dedication and leadership spanning six decades. Gladfelter’s remarkable tenure was further honored as she recently received the 2024 Healthcare Hero Honoree Lifetime Achievement Award from The Daily Record.
Dr. Michael Hann, Chief Medical Officer, concluded the evening by introducing an anniversary video, providing a glimpse into Brook Lane’s rich history and ongoing initiatives. The video underscored the organization’s unwavering commitment of growing to meet the emotional and behavioral needs of this and surrounding communities.
The success of the 3rd Annual Bridge to Hope Affair stands as a testament to the generosity and support of the community, reaffirming Brook Lane’s mission to provide exceptional mental health care and support to those in need.