This past weekend has been a tremendous success for The Center for Discovery®, with three separate events celebrating world-renowned research, exceptional cuisine, and great friends!
One Friday, October 19th, The Center for Discovery® hosted its 3rd annual Discovery Sessions at the prestigious Hearst Tower in Manhattan. The research conference – Brain, Body and the Age of Complexity – was moderated by The Center’s President & CEO, Patrick H. Dollard, along with the cofounder of the Omega Institute, widely-recognized holistic physician, and author of Timeshifting, Dr. Stephan Rechtschaffen.
During the conference, seven distinguished speakers – all focusing on the science that connects our brains and bodies to a comprehensive approach for better health – explored the role of complexity in diagnosing and treating chronic conditions from Autism Spectrum Disorders, to Alzheimer’s and dementia, and beyond. The Center’s Associate Executive Director and author of Autism and The Stress Effect, Dr. Theresa Hamlin, was joined on stage by Dr. Dale Bredesen, internationally recognized expert in the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s and author of The End of Alzheimer’s; Dr. Mark Hyman, Director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and eleven-time #1 NYT bestselling author; Dr. Kara Gross Margolis, Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University, as well as lead researcher at The Center studying gut microbiome abnormalities in complex conditions; Dr. John J. Ratey, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of more than 60 articles and 11 books; Dr. John Coles, Senior Research Scientist and Project Manager at CUBRC Inc., and leading researcher for The Center on how data can be used to understand and improve patient outcomes; and Dr. Michael Milham, internationally recognized neuroscience researcher and Vice President of Research at the Child Mind Institute.
Borrowing from something one might see at an event focusing on architecture or urban planning, conference participants engaged in interactive periods of design and planning throughout the day. Known as charette sessions, interdisciplinary teams of stakeholders – from researchers and parents of children with complex conditions, to policy-makers and philanthropists – discussed ways in which they can work in collaboration with The Center to change how the world thinks about complexity and to help move The Center’s research agenda forward.
Stay tuned for videos of each presentation, which will be available on our website shortly!
For the 10th consecutive year, the Michael Ritchie Big Barn Event for a Sustainable Future was held on Saturday, October 20th. Each year, this signature fall fundraising event for The Center for Discovery® brings together family members, prominent friends, and valuable supporters, all of whom enjoy a unique dining experience, prepared by the Da Vinci Master Chefs in collaboration with the Department of Nourishment Arts Culinary Team. This year’s impressive roster of Da Vinci Master Chefs include Franklin Becker, David Buico, Jeffrey Butler, Joey Campanaro, Michael Ferraro, Diego Garcia, Maria Loi, Herve Malivert, Julian Medina, Mark Strausman, and Bill Yosses. This remarkable evening is a true reflection of all that is wonderful about food and the people who ensure its quality – and taste – at every phase.
This year, thanks to the incredibly generous support of so many, The Center for Discovery® raised more than $225,000 that will be directed to its comprehensive research initiatives to provide enhanced scientific understanding and treatment to individuals with a range of complex conditions.
Visit our Facebook page in the coming days for photo recap of the wonderful cuisine that was created for our guests and supporters by a world-class team of master chefs and culinary visionaries!
Last but certainly not least, rounding out an exciting weekend was The Center for Discovery®’s annual Harvest Festival, which was held on Sunday, October 21st. Each year, the event brings together a celebration of new discoveries, old and new friends, and a bountiful harvest. Our invited guests – including friends, families, and staff – shared an Autumn Harvest Buffet that featured the seasonal bounty of The Center’s Thanksgiving Farm, prepared by Mr. Willy’s – even more exceptional food!
Additionally, The Center for Discovery® presented two distinguished awards at the event: The Thomas P. Morahan Lifetime Achievement Award and the Green Shovel Award. This year, The Center was proud to announce New York State Senator John J. Bonacic, good friend and supporter, as the honoree for the Thomas P. Morahan Award and Eric A. Goldstein, Senior Attorney and New York City Environment Director National Resources Defense Council, as this year’s honoree for the Green Shovel Award.
A weekend for the books, indeed! One that was shared alongside prestigious speakers, generous supporters, and wonderful friends and family.
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