Phoenix House Hosts Annual Fashion Award Dinner in New York City
Fashion and business leaders came together to raise money for those struggling with addiction.
On a rainy evening in late November, Phoenix House hosted the annual Fashion Award Dinner at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Filled with glamour and poise, the New York fashion elite joined together in hope of raising money for Phoenix House. Honorees, Marc Metrick, Michael Clinton, and the Proenza Schouler Co-Founders and Co-Designers, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough were presented with awards signifying their strength and determination to help themselves or someone they love overcome addiction.
Many gave moving speeches, including our CEO Ann Bray. She expressed the importance of treatment at Phoenix House. “By using evidenced based treatments that level the neurochemical playing field in the brain, treatment and aftercare can change the way people think, feel and behave.” She then reminded the award goers of the goal for the evening, “to raise money to help extended lifesaving treatments to people who wouldn’t receive them.”
Sarah Levithan, a Phoenix House Alum, gave an emotional speech on the harsh reality of addiction and the possibility of overcoming it with great success. She shared her own struggle with the disease, expressing difficult moments of pure honesty. “Phoenix House taught me how to harness my energy for good, and not for self-destruction,” said Levithan. Without the hard working staff members and councilors, she wouldn’t have become the Founder and CEO of Save the Date Personal Assistants, LLC.
Marc Metrick, a Phoenix House Board Member and one of the evenings honorees, gave truth to addiction. He made a point to mention that alcohol addiction is “not a weakness; not a personality defect. It is a disease. And if it is not treated, then you can die.” He shared his success of overcoming addiction, thanking the people that were there for him. With his fortitude of character, Marc Metrick was able to become the President of Saks 5th Ave.
Having risen over $9 million to help those overcoming addiction, the evening concluded with feelings of hope and encouragement.
