Bridge Board Member Profile: Daniel Manitsky

Daniel Manitsky joined The Bridge Board of Trustees in May of this year. He first got connected with The Bridge through Board Serve at United Way, a service connecting nonprofits to a pool of prospective board members. Daniel also recently attended the first meeting of The Bridge Make a Difference Committee, which is a group dedicated to promoting The Bridge programs, services and societal benefits to new audiences.

Daniel currently works as a management consultant specializing in public sector and non-profit organizations in developing countries. Previously, he completed 3 years in the US Peace Corps where he held the positions of Water/Sanitation and Health Education Specialist, and Volunteer Coordinator in El Salvador. He then went on to get his Masters of Public Administration, Public and Non-Profit Policy, which he completed in 2006. He has diverse and impressive professional accomplishments in international and national sectors.

Daniel’s hope is to “help The Bridge continue with its tradition of providing innovative, effective services to New York's mentally ill and homeless.” Cynthia Wainwright, President of the Board of Directors, says of our new member, “Daniel Manitsky brings a varied background ranging from working in the Peace Corps to international management consulting. We are delighted that he has joined our Board and we look forward to working with him.” We are very excited to have him on our team.

Bridge Board Member Profile: Ron Cruikshank

Ron Cruikshank joined the Board of Trustees at The Bridge in November of 2010. He has been, and currently is, an active leader with many non-profits. Executive Director of The Bridge, Peter Beitchman, says of Ron, “We are delighted to welcome Ron as a new Board member, and are proud that he will be lending his extensive talents and skills in the non-profit and profit sector to helping The Bridge grow.”

A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Ron’s 25 year career in the communications industry and in the practice of law has given him a wide range of experience. He retired in 2007 from his position as Senior Corporate Counsel at Omnicom Group Inc. in New York City. Since that time, Ron has volunteered as an Elder and Trustee at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh and Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of McCormick Theology Seminary in Chicago, and recently completed a 6 year term on the Board of The Lebanese American University in Beirut. Ron is currently Of Counsel to the law firm of Choate & Seletski in their Estate/Trust practice.

Ron has dealt with severe mental illness in his family and knows how it feels to have to navigate the mental health system. He stated, "I know what people have to go through, and I really like the way The Bridge helps. I wanted to join the Board to give back in my own community." We are truly grateful to have Ron on our Board with his great wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Partner in Caring Awards 2011

The 57th Anniversary Partners in Caring Awards Dinner 2011 last week was a great success. In the beautiful setting of the Central Park Boathouse, supporters of The Bridge took in the theme of “A Night in Venice” while mingling amongst Venetian stilt-walkers, a robust silent auction, and a Venetian mask-maker. This year’s event raised more money than last year, with the proceeds going to support The Bridge’s broad range of services, including homeless housing initiatives for recent veterans, as well as the horticultural training program and urban farms.

The three honorees of the night who have made significant contributions that have positively impacted the lives of many Bridge clients, gave truly inspiring speeches throughout the night. Ron Garfunkel, President & CEO of Service Directions, Inc. received the Caring Award presented to him by Albert E. Mayas. Then NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, was honored as the 2011 Government Partner, and G. Oliver Koppell, Council Member, the New York City Council accepted the award on her behalf. And finally, George Ball, Chairman & CEO of W. Atlee Burpee & Co. and the Burpee Foundation, was presented the Individual Partner Award by Mel P. Barkan for being the founding supporter of The Bridge Horticultural Training Program and Urban Farms. Take a look at the event pictures on our Flickr.

But perhaps the highlight of the entire evening was when Robert Kaplan, Bridge client of 3 years, member of The Bridge Group Artists, and painter of the event invitation cover art, gave a moving and memorable speech about his life’s journey and how art and The Bridge have changed his life for the better. 



Thank you again to our honorees and all the supporters of The Bridge for helping us continue to innovate.

Bridge Silent Auction

Starting on May 23rd at 8am ET The Bridge will be auctioning off a number of fun and unique items to bid on to raise money for our organization. We invite you to view our auction and show your support by bidding high and bidding often! Items will be continuously added so check back frequently, and if you have an item you would like to add to the auction please contact Ann Hyatt t:212.663.3000 ext.379 or ahyatt@thebridgeny.org. The bidding will close at 10pm ET on June 6th right before our Partners in Caring Awards Dinner. Bidding will continue at the gala on June 9th. 

The Bridge Partners in Caring 2011 Honorees

We would like to introduce the distinguished honorees for the upcoming 57th Anniversary Partners in Caring Awards Dinner on June 9th at the Central Park Boat House. Please join us to celebrate. The event recognizes key partnerships that have helped to immeasurably improve the quality of life for Bridge clients. Meet our 2010 Honorees:

Ron Garfunkel

Ron Garfunkel and Service Directions, Inc.
Corporate Partner in Caring
Ron Garfunkel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Service Directions, Inc. has been a partner with The Bridge for  more than a decade helping us to professionalize laundry services for clients living in Bridge housing with better designed and more efficient laundry equipment, and excellent service, as well as being a strong supporter of our work.  Ron believes in giving back to the community by contributing monetarily, employing individuals with special needs in his company, volunteering and contributing to a cleaner, greener environment through the use of green machines that reduce fuel and water consumption.  There is much to honor in this successful partnership and we are proud to present our Corporate Partner in Caring Award to Ron and Service Directions, Inc.

George Ball, W. Atlee Burpee & Co.
Individual Partner in Caring
George Ball, Chairman and CEO, W. Atlee Burpee & Co., and Chairman of the Board of the Burpee Foundation, is the founding supporter of The Bridge’s Horticultural Training Program and Urban Farms Initiative. George Ball and The Burpee Foundation have fostered the development of this important program from its beginning in 2005 on the roof deck atop our headquarters building. Through his wisdom, encouragement and support, and involvement with the Horticultural Society of New York (on whose Board George serves), the program has grown dramatically and now includes two urban farms with plans to create additional farms in connection with other Bridge residences.  The Horticultural Training Program and Urban Farms provide work training and paid work, food, nutrition education and therapy for Bridge clients. For his vision and commitment to The Bridge, to making the world a more beautiful and greener place, and for his many accomplishments, we honor him with our Individual Partner in Caring Award.

Hon. Christine Quinn
Government Partner in Caring
NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, is a long-time activist in providing innovative solutions for combating geriatric homelessness and improving services for New Yorkers with special needs.   We honor Speaker Quinn for her leadership as a champion of people in need and for her innovative solutions to New York City’s challenges. Speaker Quinn’s leadership made it possible for The Bridge to receive substantial funding through the Council’s Geriatric Mental Health Initiative that benefits our Sheridan Hill House residents: men and women who have serious mental illness and physical illness  due to aging and health conditions, many of whom were also homeless. This unique program is helping people to live in the community rather than in costly nursing and adult homes. We proudly present our Government Partner in Caring Award to NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
If you would like to attend, please contact Ann Hyatt at 212-663-3000, ext. 379 or e-mail her at ahyatt@thebrigeny.org.  Tickets are $350. 

Partners in Caring Awards Dinner

Cynthia C. Wainwright, President of the Board of Directors of The Bridge has just announced the distinguished honorees for the upcoming 57th Anniversary Partners in Caring Awards Dinner. The three honorees have made significant contributions that have positively impacted the lives of many Bridge clients and the community.

The Caring Awards Dinner will honor Ron Garfunkel, President and CEO of Service Directions, Inc. a leading laundry equipment company, as the 2011 Corporate Partner, for being a valued provider of equipment and services in Bridge residences and a supporter of The Bridge for more than a decade. George Ball, Chairman and CEO of W. Atlee Burpee & Co. and the Burpee Foundation, will receive the 2011 Individual Partner Award for being the founding supporter of The Bridge Horticultural Training Program and Urban Farms. NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, will also be honored as the 2011 Government Partner, for her work as a long time activist in providing innovative solutions for combating geriatric homelessness and improving services for disabled New Yorkers.  

Ms. Wainwright said, “We are delighted that Ron Garfunkel & Service Directions, George Ball and Speaker Quinn will accept our 2011 Partners in Caring Awards, as partners in our work with the homeless, adults with serious mental illness, substance abuse disorders and HIV/AIDS.  We honor them for their commitment to The Bridge and our community.”

The fundraising Dinner will be held on June 9, 2011 at The Boathouse in Central Park, with cocktails at 6:30 pm and dinner at 7:30 pm.  The Gala’s theme is “A Night in Venice” with gondola rides for our guests on the lake outside the Boathouse.  Dinner proceeds will support the agency’s broad range of services, including homeless housing initiatives for recent veterans, as well as the horticultural training program and urban farms. For information about Journal Ads and Tickets, contact Ann Hyatt, Director of Development, at ahyatt@thebridgeny.org. or call 212-663-3000, ext. 379.

The Bridge Make A Difference Committee

The Bridge Make A Difference Committee is a diverse group of socially conscious professionals working together in support of The Bridge and the nearly 2,000 people they help each year. This newly formed Committee's mission is to promote The Bridge programs, services and societal benefits to new audiences. The Committee is chaired by a member of The Bridge’s Board of Directors, Laurie Melton of American Express.


The Bridge Make a Difference Committee members blend their talents to raise awareness and funds for The Bridge by hosting and participating in fun, unique and festive social/networking events, as well as planning events for volunteers. Members will manage various drives and initiatives to benefit the clients of The Bridge and help support the overall mission of The Bridge.


Committee members will volunteer their time, creativity and intellectual resources to create awareness, as well as assist in the work of The Bridge. Members will gain valuable networking experience and leadership skills, while drawing inspiration from other socially conscience individuals, and the work that The Bridge does.


This group is dedicated to engaging the next generation of facilitators who will continue to promote The Bridge and assist adults with mental illness through their commitment. The Bridge Make a Difference Committee members recognize that regardless of illness, everyone deserves an opportunity to live a full life. To join the Committee or volunteer please contact Ann R. Hyatt, Director of Development, at ahyatt@thebridgeny.org or call 212.663.3000 X379. 

New Bridge Website Coming Soon

The all new Bridge website is coming this May! We are working hard to give you a better experience. This new website will be continuously updated to bring you the most useful information. It will highlight our unique services and better tell the story of The Bridge. This website will become your one-stop-shop, so please visit us often once the new site has launched. As always, we will keep you posed on all the new developments in this area.

Ann R. Hyatt New Head of Development

The Bridge has named Ann R. Hyatt Director of Development. The Bridge’s Executive Director, Dr. Peter Beitchman said, “We are delighted that Ann Hyatt has joined us, as she brings a wealth of experience and skills to help us continue to expand the important work of The Bridge. At a time of reduced government funding, development and fundraising have taken on new urgency and importance. Ann’s accomplishments rank her as a stellar fundraiser; we’re thrilled that she’s joining us.” Ann has had a very distinguished career and comes to The Bridge from NYU College of Nursing, where she was the Director of Development.

Ann has worked in the Development field for over 20 years and has earned advanced accreditation ( ACFRE) from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Previously, she was at New York University College of Nursing as Director of Development. Prior to that, Ann was at Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, where she was the Director of Development and External Relations. Ms. Hyatt has held Development positions with Pace University School of Law, Mercy College, St. Vincent’s Hospital, The Shield Institute and Blythedale Children’s Hospital. Her career has spanned from serving as Vice President to having her own Development consulting business.

The Bridge is very fortunate to have Ann on the team. We look forward to creative and innovative development projects.

Help us welcome a new member to our Board of Directors, Claytisha Walden

We are pleased to announce and introduce a new member to our Board of Directors, Ms. Claytisha Walden. Claytisha, recognized as a leader in childhood education and youth development, sought out The Bridge when she learned about our mission and services. We are fortunate that her passion for our work and desire to contribute to the achievement of our mission brought her to our agency.

Claytisha is a principal at Frederick Douglass Academy Secondary School in Brooklyn and has over fourteen years of experience in the education field and youth development. She has worked with young people from early childhood to young adults as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal. She has expertise in child and adolescent development, instructional technology, and organizational change. Claytisha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Purchase College; Master of Science in Urban and Multicultural Education from College of Mount Saint Vincent and a Master of Science in Educational Administration and Supervision from Baruch College. She is presently pursuing her Doctorate in Education as well as National Certification as a Principal Mentor.

Claytisha is a change agent in the field of education and hopes to apply this experience as The Bridge faces future challenges.. She was the first female principal of William J. Gaynor Middle School since its opening in 1936. Under her leadership, the reading and math proficiency rates were the highest in nearly a decade. She developed innovative programs through the integration of instructional technology into every classroom. As first place winners in the Citywide 2008 NBC Digital Media competition, William J. Gaynor students wrote, directed and produced their own film.

Claytisha is a member of several national organizations including The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum and Development, National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Alliance of Black School Educators, and the Association of Black Educators of New York, where she was recognized as the 2008 Women’s award recipient. Claytisha speaks before many audiences – serving as keynote speaker at graduations as well as lead presenter at national conferences.

Welcome to The Bridge Claytisha!

Partners in Caring Awards Dinner Round Up

The Bridge Partners in Caring Awards Dinner

Our Partners in Caring Awards Dinner took place at the Tribeca Rooftop on June 10th. It was a great success with more than 200 guests in attendance to help recognize our honorees and celebrate our mission of providing mental health and housing solutions to New Yorkers in need.

The evening began with a moving speech from one of our clients, Sandra, who spoke about how The Bridge has played a role in her life and recited a beautiful poem she wrote about her recovery.

Our Board President, Cynthia Wainwright and Executive Director, Dr. Peter Beitchman unveiled our new logo and discuss some of the highlights of our new brand.

The highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony in which our honorees, Sara E. Morgan, State Senator Eric T. Scheiderman and Wids DeLaCour and Richard Ferrara were presented with their Partner in Caring Awards. Over the years, these key partnerships have helped improve the quality of life for hundreds of Bridge clients and it was inspiring to hear about what the partnerships meant to each of the honorees. Click here to learn more about our relationships with each of the honorees.

Throughout the evening, guests could meet with a tarot card reader, have an amazing fancy hat made, bid on auction items and client artwork that was on display.

We would like to thank our donors once again who so generously supported our awards dinner and whose assistance will help us provide mental health and housing solutions to the most vulnerable in our community.


Photographs by Roger LeMoine of ACE Photography

2010 Partners in Caring Honorees

On Thursday, June 10th The Bridge's Partners in Caring Awards Dinner will take place at the Tribeca Rooftop. The event recognizes key partnerships that have helped to immeasurably improve the quality of life for Bridge clients For more information please contact Eric Talbert, etalbert [a] thebridgeny.org or (212) 663-3000 ext. 379. To view the invitation click here.

Meet our 2010 Honorees:

DeLaCour & Ferrara Architects
Wids DeLaCour & Richard Ferrara

This award recognizes the important collaboration between DeLaCour &Ferrara Architects and The Bridge resulting in the creation of 14 residential buildings in which 283 clients reside, and creation of the agency’s main headquarters. The firm has worked with many community groups and nonprofit organizations creatively designing spaces that meet each group’s distinct needs. We applaud their many professional achievements and are pleased to present our Corporate Partnership in Caring Award to Dick and Wids.

Sara E. Morgan

Sara has been a member of The Bridge Board of Directors for 25 years
serving as a Vice President and Secretary. Over these many years, Sara’s presence at Bridge closings with various governmental agencies has been a constant; she has signed millions of corporate documents. In addition, she has been involved in many West Side organizations helping to improve the quality of life for residents volunteering with the Park West Village Tenants Association, NYPD’s 24th Precinct Citizens Council, Community Free Democrats, and many nonprofit organizations.We celebrate Sara’s many accomplishments with our Individual Partner in Caring Award because she truly cares about her community and its people.

Hon. Eric T. Schneiderman

State Senator Eric Schneiderman has been a friend to The Bridge for almost as long as he has served in the State Senate starting in 1998 representing the 31st District (covering portions of Manhattan and the Bronx). As an Upper West Side resident, Eric understands the diverse needs of his community. As a lawyer in private practice, he worked with advocacy and public interest organizations helping to make the Upper West Side a safer community. As an elected official, Eric serves as Chair of the Senate Codes Committee and Deputy Majority Leader for Policy and most recently shepherded through sweeping reforms to the Rockefeller Drug laws, championing the needs of all New Yorkers. We take great pride in presenting our Government Partner in Caring Award to State Senator Eric Schneiderman.

Meet Lance

On Tuesday, April 20th from 6-8pm The Bridge will be hosting a Happy Hour at Red Sky. Click here for all of the juicy details. We invite everyone (even you reading this) to talk with our staff and learn more about our programs and services as well as volunteer opportunities. This is also a great opportunity to meet the new members on our Board of Directors, Laurie Melton and Lance Braunstein. Leading up to our Happy Hour on April 20th, we will be posting Q & A interviews to give you head start of getting to know our new board members.

Meet Lance

How and why did you get involved with The Bridge? I live in the community and was interested in giving something back. When I stumbled upon The Bridge, I was immediately impressed with how impactful they were to the populations that are the most vulnerable in our neighborhood. The more involved I become, the more impressed I am with the team and the great work they do.

What was your first job? I worked for Hughes at NASA and then NOAA after grad school.

Who is the person you look up to/admire the most? I've always admired George Orwell's wit, resolve and willingness to act for the causes he believed in.

What is one thing you can’t live without? My Blackberry.

What is your favorite pizza place in New York? Sal and Carmine's Pizza on 102nd and Broadway.

What was your favorite television show growing up? Anything on Saturday morning. Shazam, Dr Shrinker, Land of the Lost, Wonder Woman, 6 Million Dollar Man, etc.

Where is your most favorite place on earth? Seattle or Torrey, UT.

What was the last book you read? Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano.

Meet Laurie

On Tuesday, April 20th from 6-8pm The Bridge will be hosting a Happy Hour at Red Sky. Click here for all of the juicy details. We invite everyone (even you reading this) to mingle with our staff and learn more about our programs and services as well as volunteer opportunities. This is also a great opportunity to meet the new members on our Board of Directors, Laurie Melton and Lance Braunstein. Leading up to our Happy Hour on April 20th, we will be posting Q & A interviews to give you head start of getting to know our new board members.

Meet Laurie

How and why did you get involved with The Bridge? Prior to working at American Express I studied and worked in public health and psychiatric research. Over the last couple of years, I had been looking for an opportunity to get involved with a nonprofit in this area. I heard about a program at American Express that linked employees with nonprofits and through that program I learned about The Bridge. I was struck by the positivity and commitment of the staff and board and excited to become involved with a long-established organization that impacts so many people in such a wide variety of ways.

Are you a Mets, Yankees, Giants or Jets fan? Much to my dad's dismay, I never developed a loyalty to my hometown team, the Mariners, and over time have become a bit of a Yankee fan.

What was your first job? In high school I was a nursing assistant at a senior care center.

If you had any super power what would it be? Time travel -- it would be amazing to be able to go back in time and see firsthand great moments and periods in history.

Who is the person you look up to/admire the most? There isn't one person I would single out. I admire anyone who has courage, intelligence, humility and a great sense of humor.

What is your favorite thing to do in New York? I love being out at Fire Island in the summertime, relaxing and enjoying the beach.

What is the one thing you can't live without? See answer to "Favorite thing to do in New York"

What is your favorite pizza place in New York? The pizza at Gonzo in the West Village is delicious as well as my neighborhood brick-oven place, Toby's.

Do you have any hidden talents? Perhaps not a talent per se, but I can turn my feet almost all the way around backwards.

What was your favorite television show growing up? The Muppet Show!



Some other info you may want to know (Professional Bio)
Laurie moved to New York City from the Seattle area in 1992 in what was meant to be a temporary relocation for graduate school in Psychology and, later, Epidemiology. She fell in love with the city and put down roots. Laurie is a Senior Manager at American Express, where she has been working for nearly 9 years. She is active in American Express charitable events throughout the year and in all 5 boroughs. Laurie has a BA and MA in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound and New School for Social Research respectively and a MA in Public Health from the Mailman School at Columbia University. A resident of Brooklyn, Laurie is an avid reader, an aspiring gardener and currently on a quest for the prefect banh mi sandwich.

Remembering Curtis J. Berger

On Friday, November 20 we will be hosting The Second Curtis J. Berger Symposium on Mental Health and the Law in partnership with Columbia Law School and the New York City Bar Committee on Mental Health Law.

Many of those attending the symposium however are unfamiliar with the story behind Curtis Berger's commitment to help The Bridge house New York's most vulnerable men and women. Curtis Berger was a teacher, scholar, lawyer, humanitarian, "birder" and volunteer who approached everything he did with tremendous gusto and dedication. He served The Bridge as a board member for close to twenty years and as president for six years. He joined the Columbia Law School faculty in 1962 and was named Lawrence A. Wien Professor of Real Estate, a position he held until his death in 1998.

With humor, intellect and integrity, he paved the way for our success. Under his presidency, The Bridge created new housing for 100 clients and added programs for the homeless. Under his leadership in two capital campaigns, the agency raised over $4 million to relocate The Bridge to a larger building which is still our current headquarters on Manhattan's Upper West Side (pictured left). He also went on to acquire, renovate and furnish the adjacent building, which was joined to the headquarters.

In September 1999, The Board of Directors named our headquarters "The Curtis J. Berger Building" in his memory - a fitting and lasting tribute to a truly dedicated public servant and outstanding human being.

The symposium on Friday, November 20 is only one of the many ways The Bridge is paying tribute to Curtis Berger and his family especially Vivian O. Berger (current board member of The Bridge) for their many years of service towards The Bridge.