[Gloversville, NY] — The Family Counseling Center of Fulton County is excited to invite the community to its 2024 Fall Fundraising Gala on Thursday, September 26th, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Lanzi’s on the Lake Restaurant and Marina in Mayfield.
This is an exciting opportunity to enjoy an evening amongst friends, while making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout the Mohawk Valley and Southern Adirondacks. By purchasing a ticket, you will be directly supporting The Family Counseling Center’s vital programs, which serve more than 4,500 clients annually.
Tickets are $100 per person, with tables of eight available for larger groups—perfect for friends, colleagues, or family to attend together. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to the cause, this evening is your chance to engage with the community, network with like-minded individuals, and be part of an incredible cause.
With limited seating available, we encourage you to reserve your tickets today! You can secure your spot at www.thefamilycounselingcenter.org/gala and ensure you’re part of a memorable night filled with celebration, giving, and impact.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference—purchase your tickets now and join us in supporting the life-changing work of The Family Counseling Center.
Honoring Community Champions
This year’s gala will celebrate two outstanding individuals whose work has made a significant impact on the local community.
- Rachel Truckenmiller, Executive Director of the HFM Prevention Council, will be honored with the Dr. David and Ann Lee Clough Award. As the Executive Director, Rachel oversees the agency’s programs in substance use disorder prevention, recovery, and supportive housing. Since stepping into the role in 2018, she has continued to make strides in improving public health initiatives across the region. Prior to her directorship, Rachel worked at the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Support (OASAS), coordinating statewide coalitions in the fight against substance use disorders. Her extensive background in prevention began when she first served as the coordinator of Fulton County’s drug-free coalition, ASAPP’s Promise, under a Drug-Free Communities grant. Rachel holds an Ed.S. degree from the University of Iowa and a bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College. In her personal life, Rachel enjoys baking and traveling with her husband Greg.
- Donald Fleischut will receive the Mary Ann Harzinski Outstanding Community Service Award. Don’s career spans decades of dedication to the local and regional community. Born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, in 1944, Don graduated with a degree in Organic Dyestuff Chemistry from the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. He moved to Gloversville in 1977, where he became the managing partner of Somerset Industries until his retirement in 2000. Throughout his life, Don has remained deeply committed to serving his community, volunteering his time and resources with various organizations including the YMCA, Lexington Foundation, Mountain Valley Hospice, and Family Counseling Center. He has also served on the Gloversville School Board and is involved with programs such as the Friday’s Table Meal Program, Code Blue Shelter, and the Community Helpers Store. In addition to his community work, Don enjoys fly fishing, sailing, and canoe restoration.
Michael L. Countryman, Executive Director of The Family Counseling Center, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Rachel and Don represent the best of what our community has to offer. Their work reflects the mission and values of The Family Counseling Center, and we are honored to celebrate their contributions. The awards they are receiving not only highlight their achievements but also honor the legacies of Dr. David and Ann Lee Clough and Mary Ann Harzinski, individuals who were deeply committed to supporting mental health and community service.”
Supporting Critical Mental Health Programs
Since its founding in 1976, The Family Counseling Center has served more than 4,500 clients annually across its various programs, which include the Behavioral Health Clinic, Crisis Unit, Children and Family Services Program, and the Domestic Violence Program of Fulton County. As the organization looks toward the future, the funds raised from the gala will ensure the continued expansion and improvement of these essential services, helping to meet the growing needs of individuals and families across the region.
How to Participate
Tickets are now available for the 2024 Gala. To purchase tickets or learn more about the gala visit www.thefamilycounselingcenter.org/gala. The Family Counseling Center extends its heartfelt thanks to the 2024 Gala’s Honorary Organizing Committee, including John and Sunday Blackmon, Shawn Cleland and Peter Kiernan, Lou and Lesley Lanzi, Geoff and Colleen Peck, Gail and Jerry Ryan, and Bill and Roberta Winsman. This event would not be possible without the generosity of our Presenting Sponsor Rick and Mary Frasier and our Premier Sponsors, including John and Sunday Blackmon, the HFM Prevention Council, Delaney Foundation, Gail and Jerry Ryan, Broleco/Squich, and Geno Pharmacy. The event’s Cocktail Hour is generously sponsored by Stewart’s Shops and Eleos Health.
About The Family Counseling Center
For nearly five decades, The Family Counseling Center has been a cornerstone of mental health support for individuals and families in Fulton County. Licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health, the Center offers a broad range of evidence-based services for clients of all ages, including children as young as five years old.
For more information about The Family Counseling Center, its programs, or ways to get involved, please visit www.thefamilycounselingcenter.org.
