Town of Arlington
Department of Health and Human Services
Christine Bongiorno, Director
27 Maple St.
Arlington, MA 02476
For Immediate Release
Monday, Nov. 2, 2015
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 Holds Its 5th Annual “Out on the Town Gala”
ARLINGTON — Arlington Health and Human Services is pleased to report that the Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC) held its 5th Annual “Out on the Town Gala” on Friday, Oct. 23.
More than 200 guests who share a concern for the mental health well-being of Arlington youth and who appreciate the services the AYCC has provided attended the gala, which was held in the auditorium at the Arlington Town Hall.
“This event is always a wonderful evening and the attendees always seem to enjoy themselves,” said Christine Bongiorno, Director of Health and Human Services in Arlington. “There is always a lot of buzz in the community surrounding the gala, which is great because it benefits such a good cause.”
This year, the gala raised more than $15,000, which directly helps the agency continue to provide a variety of high quality and affordable therapeutic outpatient mental health services to Arlington youth and families.
The evening’s honoree, Senator Ken Donnelly, was recognized for his tireless dedication and outstanding contributions to children and families. Senator Donnelly was instrumental in securing $150,000 in state funds for AYCC this year, and his legislative work has enabled AYCC to continue its vital mission within the community.
“On behalf of the entire agency I would like to thank everyone who attended this event, our sponsors, and the Arlington Board of Youth Services who helped us to plan and host the gala,” said Acting Executive Director of AYCC Linda Suzuki. “The night was enjoyable as always, but we could not do what we do without the help from everyone involved.”
Community sponsors included Watertown Savings Bank, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Whole Foods Market in Arlington, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge Savings Bank, and the Law Offices of Susan D Stamps.
For more information about AYCC, including ways to donate and support the agency, please visit the website at www.arlingtonma.gov/aycc or contact them 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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