More than 1,500 people joined us at Icahn Stadium to show their support for families in treatment and people in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. WPIX-TV news reporter James Ford emceed the event, which along with the 5K fun run and recovery walk, included fitness competitions, Zumba, children’s races, field games, and arts and crafts activities.
NYS Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez attended the race along with Community Board 11 Chair Nilsa Orama, and several New York State and City officials recognized Odyssey House programs and sent messages of support.
NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “Odyssey House has demonstrated tremendous leadership…by providing New Yorkers struggling with substance abuse disorders, HIV/AIDS, and mental illness with the medical, housing, and professional resources they need to start down the road to recovery. Today’s event will further enable Odyssey House to support our residents in their efforts to become and remain healthy, and I commend all those gathered for helping this organization build a brighter, more equitable future for our city.”
Participants in this year’s event included Odyssey House Board Members, program staff and clients from other NYC-based treatment agencies, friends and family of people in recovery, and our corporate partners.
A big thank you to our sponsors, who help make this special day possible. To name a few: ChemRx, East Coast Energy Group, The Richman Group, RSM, Urban Architectural Initiatives, T-Mobile, Gallagher, Champion Elevator, Ferrari Driving School, and Damian Family Care Center.
And thank you to our treatment partners – Phoenix House, Outreach Project, VIP Community Services, Educational Alliance, and Samaritan Daytop – for joining us to promote our shared mission of guiding troubled New Yorkers to a healthy recovery.