For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Contact: Christine Bongiorno
Phone: 781-316-3170
Email: CBongiorno@town.arlington.ma.us

Arlington Youth Counseling Center Announces Keynote Speaker for 6th Annual Gala

ARLINGTON — Arlington Health and Human Services is pleased to report that the Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC) and Board of Youth Services have determined the keynote speaker
for the 6th Annual Out on the Town Gala.

David Axelrod, former chief strategist and senior adviser to President Barack Obama, and renowned CNN commentator, media strategist and best-selling author, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s annual gala. The event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 7-10 p.m. at Arlington Town Hall.

During the gala, Axelrod will share insights, experience and perspective on the current political climate and on the importance of mental health services on the national agenda.

“We are very excited that David is able to attend this year’s AYCC Gala, just weeks after the election, which is sure to offer up lively opportunities for discussion,” said Joan Axelrod Lehrich, David’s sister and Chairperson of the Arlington Youth Services Board. “In addition to a love of politics and activism, David and I share a deep commitment to supporting mental health services for children and families. We recognize the importance of having such support readily available in the community.”

Each year, the Out on the Town Gala brings hundreds of community members together to support the work of AYCC, promote the value of community mental health, and celebrate the year’s accomplishments. In addition to remarks from Axelrod, the gala will feature raffles, a silent auction, live music by members of the Arlington High School Jazz band, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

“The annual gala is always such a wonderful night for the entire Arlington community,” said Christine Bongiorno, Director of Health and Human Services in Arlington. “Events like these allow us to come together and raise money to support the AYCC, which has become an invaluable resource to our community.”

Through donations and support from the community, AYCC has transformed from an entirely town-supported agency to a thriving mental health center supported by town funding, health insurance reimbursement, grants and private donations.

Over the past year alone, AYCC provided more than 5,350 counseling and psychiatric sessions to more than 350 youth and families, regardless of their ability to pay. This is due to the funds that are raised through the gala, grants, and other events.

Lead sponsors for this year’s gala include:

• Gold Sponsors: Whole Foods Arlington and East Cambridge Savings Bank
• Silver Sponsors: Watertown Savings Bank, Mount Auburn Hospital and The Sanborn Foundation.

Gala tickets can be purchased here for $75, and sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, visit AYCC’s website or contact AYCC’s Executive Director, Colleen Leger, at 781-316-3255.

About the Arlington Youth Counseling Center:

The Arlington Youth Counseling Center is a division of the Department of Health & Human Services, and for more than 45 years, has provided counseling services to local children and youth from ages 3-21. As one of the only remaining mental health facilities dedicated to the treatment of community youth and families, and one of the only providers in the area that accepts youth with public insurance, AYCC serves as a beacon of hope for hundreds of Arlington families.

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