The Fountain House Associates Committee held its first Fall Fête on Thursday, October 23rd, 2008. The evening began with a cocktail reception, sponsored by Valentino and set in their elegant Madison Avenue boutique. Dinner and dancing followed at the New York Racquet and Tennis Club.
Nicholas Ratut, president of John Varvatos Fragrances and member of the Board of Directors of the International Center for Clubhouse Development, opened the program with a moving account of his family’s struggles following his son’s diagnosis with mental illness. Lorna Hyde Graev, the Vice Chair of the Fountain House Board of Directors, shared observations from her personal experience with mental illness and her passion for the Fountain House method of recovery. The inspiring story of one Fountain House member, captured in a short film, rounded out the program; the film recounted how Fountain House provided him with the resources and support to resume his career and build a full life.
The Associates Committee is a newly formed group of young professionals who are dedicated to introducing Fountain House and its mission of fighting the stigma associated with metal illness to the next generation of friends and supporters.The event Chairs were Anne and George Baker, Sarah and Jeremy Goldstein, Katie and Doug Hand, Lil Phillips, and Elizabeth Pyne. The Vice Chairs were: Kate Allen, Silas Anthony, Donya and Scott Bommer, Alison and George Brokaw, Madeleine Potvin, Elisabeth Saint-Amand, Frances Schultz, Kiliaen van Rensselaer, and Alison Woolworth.
