Hospital gala raises millions for new pediatric behavioral health program

Northwell Northern Westchester Hospital raised $2.5 million at its annual gala held last month, marking the highest amount the hospital has generated at an event in its 108-year history. 

More than 700 attendees came together at the former Reader’s Digest building in Chappaqua to pledge support for the hospital’s new pediatric behavioral health program dedicated to meeting the needs of children and adolescents.

The Nov. 2 gala was jointly chaired by Lisa Schwartz of Bedford Hills, a Northern Westchester Hospital Community Foundation board member and co-chair of its Community Health Committee, and longtime philanthropist Jane Donaldson of Waccabuc.  

“This year’s gala struck a powerful chord with our audience, showcasing the overwhelming generosity of our guests while highlighting our new behavioral health program for children and adolescents,” said Derek Anderson, president, Northwell Northern Westchester Hospital. “This initiative comes at a crucial time when nearly 20 percent of children in the U.S. face mental health challenges. We owe it to our children — and our future — to do better.”

A highlight of the gala was a paddle raise, during which an auctioneer invites attendees to raise bid cards at various donation levels. The vast majority of the audience participated, contributing large and small donations, and raised over $631,000 — another record for the most on-site fundraising in the hospital’s history. 

NWH’s mental health initiative focuses on education and awareness, partnering with local schools and community groups to improve behavioral health literacy and promote early intervention. Goals for 2025 include the opening of a comprehensive child and adolescent psychiatric practice and establishing a standalone behavioral health center for rapid crisis care. In addition, an intensive outpatient program will be launched for patients who do not require hospitalization but would benefit from more structured support.

 To meet these objectives by spring 2025, the Northern Westchester Hospital Foundation aims to raise $1.1 million over the next several months to achieve its total fundraising goal of $7 million for this initiative. To date, $5.9 million has been pledged with donations coming from individuals, private foundations and corporations, according to Northwell officials. 

 “Young people make up approximately 25 percent of our population, but they will be 100 percent of our future,” said Ms. Schwartz. “Addressing their mental health crisis is our moral responsibility, so we are continuing to ask for the support of our community to make this bold vision a reality.”

A similar behavioral health program launched by Northwell Health in other regions of New York in 2020 has led to a 60 percent average reduction in emergency room visits for child and adolescent behavioral health concerns, officials said. Northwell has committed to investing $500 million over the next several years to expand pediatric and adolescent behavioral health services across its network.

To contribute to NWH’s mental health initiative, contact Whitney Hartmann-Peris at 914- 242-8382 or visit whartmann@northwell.edu.

Pictured above: Jane Donaldson, philanthropist and co-chair of Northern Westchester Hospital’s annual gala; Dr. Vera Feuer, medical director of child and adolescent psychiatry at Northwell Health; and Lisa Schwartz, Northern Westchester Hospital Community Foundation board member, co-chair of its Community Health Committee and annual gala co-chair. PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWELL HEALTH