RUNNERS MAKE THEIR SPIRIT COUNT: COMMUNITY RAISES MONEY & AWARENESS FOR PEOPLE FACING MENTAL HEALTH HURDLES

Hundreds of Residents Participate in Annual 5K

Hicksville, NY (June 9, 2014) – Men, women, and children of all ages from across Long Island participated May 24th in an annual 5K “Runday”, dedicated to supporting the work of Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services—an organization that provides wide-ranging services to families and individuals facing mental health and/or substance use disorders.

The event, which began at 8:30AM on the fourth Saturday in May, started in front of CN Guidance’s Hicksville headquarters and meandered creatively through residential neighborhoods along a route where supporters cheered runners on.

Jeffrey Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of CN Guidance & Counseling said, “The support that we felt from the community this year was incredible. It is not only heartening to feel the community come together like this; it is a concrete way that Long Island residents have been able year-in and year-out to contribute to maintaining the capacity of our organization to serve people who are struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. We deeply thank everyone who participated.”

Among those who Mr. Friedman called out as leaders are Carl Grossbard and Mark Seiden—both local residents who serve as board members of CN Guidance, each having played a major role each year in organizing the Runday, spreading word about the event, and garnering sponsorships and donations. The 2014 run raised over $27,000 for the nonprofit’s cause.

CN Guidance & Counseling is one of the region’s leading behavioral health service providers, offering clinical treatment, counseling, housing opportunities, and various support services to individuals and families who face mental health and substance use disorders. The agency has served residents in both counties of Long Island since its inception in 1972, and in recent years has been a leader in providing outreach, supports, and counseling to community members during tragic and traumatic events, including 9/11 and the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

This year’s Runday, dedicated to Barbara Bartell, the leader of Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services for decades until passing away in 2013, included runners from every part of Long Island life, including Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker, pictured in the accompanying photo next to CN Guidance Board Vice President Grossbard.