By Peter Tesei
In a world where mental health challenges can feel overwhelming and isolating, there is a beacon of hope for those living with mental illness. Today’s advancements in science and mental health care offer more opportunities for a fulfilling and enriched life than ever before. At Pathway’s, our mission is to empower individuals to overcome their struggles and lead vibrant lives. We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey by joining us October 5 for our largest annual fundraising event, where we will celebrate progress and learn from remarkable experiences.
Our Gala is not just an event; it’s an opportunity to witness the power of resilience and the impact of innovative mental health care. This year, we are honored to feature Paul Dalio as our special guest and speaker. Paul Dalio, a distinguished filmmaker and mental health advocate, will share his personal journey living with bipolar disorder and how he has turned his challenges into triumphs.
The Gala will also introduce a Pathways initiative that focuses on harnessing creativity as a means of empowerment and healing. We believe that creativity is not just an outlet but a vital component of personal growth and fulfillment. By providing our clients with the resources and space to explore their creative potential, we aim to help them discover new passions and motivations. This approach is inspired by the insights of Paul Dalio who has been a living example of the profound link between mental health and creative expression through filmmaking, music and writing.
At Pathways, we recognize the barriers that many individuals face in their path to recovery, especially within the current healthcare system. The reality is stark: a significant number of people with serious mental illness experience unmet needs, particularly those who rely on Medicaid and lack adequate support. We are taking proactive steps to bridge these gaps and create a nurturing environment for recovery.
Celebrate with us Saturday, October 5th at Burning Tree Country Club!
The Pathways Mental Health Gala promises to be an evening of inspiration, reflection, and community. By attending, you’ll gain valuable insights from Paul Dalio, support groundbreaking mental health initiatives, and be a part of a movement that transforms lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a catalyst for change and to celebrate the resilience and creativity that define the human spirit.
We look forward to seeing you at the Gala and working together to unlock a future filled with hope, promise and dignity for all.
For more information and tickets, go to www.pways.org/gala.
Pathways Gala Committee:
Kim Athan
Maureen Bonanno
Monica Bruning
Lisa Charney
Krysten Ericson
Kendra Farn-Finz
Alison Farn-Leigh
Patricia Fauser
Sarah Fugelsang
Tracy Schmidt
Sree Mukherjee Vaid
Jenn Warwick
Pathways Board of Directors:
Tom Athan, President
Craig Warwick, Vice President
Richard Kremheller, Treasurer
Kathy Barba, Secretary
Leo Arnaboldi, III
Grace Aslanian
George Brown
Alison Farn-Leigh
Michael Grant
Daphne Lamsvelt-Pol
Beverly Orthwein
Tracy Schmidt
Charles W. Tricomi
Chetan Vaid, MD
Jenn Warwick
Margie Warwick
Advisory Board:
Linda Applegarth, EdD.
Bob Arnold
Betsy Grant
Susan Sternberg
Dave Welchman
For questions about the event, contact Rachel Hanley at rhanley@pways.org.
Peter J. Tesei is the Executive Director of Pathways Inc. and previously served as Greenwich’s First Selectman for 12 years (2007-2019). His public service spans 37 years as a former RTM District 9 Chairman and Board of Estimate & Taxation Chairman. He has served on several non-profit Boards and community organizations and has been leading Pathways since November of 2021.
