For Immediate Release

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-666-2012
Email: john@jgpr.net

Photos: The Psychological Center, Inc. Raises $50,000 at Overcoming Obstacles Gala

LAWRENCE — The Psychological Center, Inc. (TPC) is pleased to announce that its Overcoming Obstacles Gala fundraiser brought in $50,000 to benefit homelessness, addiction and recovery treatment and mental health services.

More than 230 people attended the sold-out event on Friday, Oct. 14, which was generously hosted by Michael Agricola at Salvatore’s Restaurant. The money raised will benefit TPC’s programs at Daybreak Shelter, Pegasus House and Women’s view, which offer emergency shelter and individualized addiction treatment services.

Charlie Manzi, who is on the Board of Directors for TPC, was honored at the event for his contributions and dedication to the Merrimack Valley community. He is also an addiction counselor at Serenity at Summit in Haverhill and a marketing sales manager at Comfort Home Care.

“I was humbled by the outpouring of support and surprised by the number of people from the community who took time out of their busy lives to support The Psychological Center,” Manzi said. “I can’t thank the volunteers enough for this wonderful event, which will benefit such a worthy cause.”

The gala highlighted the growing number of homeless individuals in Lawrence and the increasing addiction crisis, not only at the state level but also in local neighborhoods and homes.

In attendance were State Rep. Linda Dean-Campbell, Methuen Councilor at Large Jennifer Kannan, Methuen City Councilor Ron Marsan, Lawrence City Councilor Marc Laplante, State Sen. Candidate Susan Laplante, and Barbara Grondine and Jessica Finocchiaro, both whom serve on the Greater Lawrence Technical School Committee.

“I am overwhelmed by the tremendous amount of support we have received from everyone who attended and helped us to prepare for this night,” said Carina Pappalardo, CEO of The Psychological Center. “Thanks to the generosity of all who attended this wonderful event, more people will be safe and warm in our shelter instead of unprotected out on the streets, and more women will get the treatment they need to fight the disease of addiction.”

Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union, Pentucket Bank and Middlesex Healthcare Services were all supporting sponsors for the event, along with seven additional table sponsors.

Methuen Councilor at Large James Jajuga Sr. live-auctioned items like tickets to Disney (including airfare), a helicopter ride for two, Patriots tickets with a parking and tailgating package, an iPhone 7 and many more. A silent auction featured 90 items including signed Bruins memorabilia, a signed baseball from Red Sox player Rick Porcelloj, Celtics tickets and a signed Steve Nelson Patriots jersey.

In addition to the gala, The Psychological Center has other fundraising opportunities through its “Sponsor a Bed” campaign. A year-long sponsorship costs $1,000 and can be made in memory of someone or in the name of a business, a family or an individual. For business sponsors, a link to the company will appear on The Psychological Center’s website for the duration of the sponsorship.

If you are interested in making a donation to the “Sponsor a Bed” campaign or in general, checks can be sent to The Psychological Center, 11 Union Street, Lawrence, MA 01840, or by donating through The Psychological Center’s website.

About The Psychological Center, Inc.:

The Psychological Center, established in 1971, is committed to serving individuals living with substance abuse or alcohol addiction, mental health issues or homelessness by providing structured and comprehensive environments that offer hope while empowering individuals to achieve recovery with respect and without stigma. Each person receives individualized treatment to make changes happen toward a healthy and meaningful future.

For more information on The Psychological Center, please visit its website.

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