NELLY BLY AROUGHETI HONORED AT THE CENTER FOR DISCOVERY'S 25th ANNUAL EVENING OF DISCOVERY GALA

Event Raises Over Four Million Dollars to Support The Center's Transformative Work

NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, The Center for Discovery® (TCFD, The Center) honored Nelly Bly Arougheti at the 25th Annual Evening of Discovery Gala - raising a historic $4.2 million, the most in the event's history. Held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, the Gala marked a milestone moment in support of The Center's groundbreaking programs and services. An internationally recognized research and innovation organization, The Center serves nearly 1,200 children and adults annually who have complex disabilities, medical frailties, and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Gayle King, renowned broadcast journalist, author, and co-host of CBS Mornings, served as the evening's host, bringing her signature warmth and generosity of spirit to the stage. She was joined by actress and comedian Susie Essman, best known for her role on Curb Your Enthusiasm and a longtime supporter of The Center, who added her humor and heartfelt enthusiasm to the celebration. Together, they helped facilitate generous contributions throughout the night and spoke powerfully about the impact of The Center's model. Gayle shared moving, firsthand stories about the remarkable progress of individuals living at The Center - stories that illustrated just how transformative the work there truly is. Their presence made the Evening of Discovery both inspiring and unforgettable for all in attendance.

Nelly Bly Arougheti was honored for her extraordinary dedication to The Center for Discovery and the profound impact she has made on countless lives. Nelly joined The Center's Board in 2008, inspired by the exceptional care her brother, Billy, a current resident at TCFD, received. Through the years, her leadership, vision, and personal connection have helped shape The Center's growth and legacy.

During her acceptance speech, Nelly remarked on what TCFD means to her. "The times we are in demand innovation, and The Center is answering the challenge with game-changing solutions. Their model illuminates a path for us all to walk along, whether an individual with disabilities, or a senior struggling with dementia, or any one of us in the room tonight. The Center shows us how to thrive through anything – as long as we have that spirit of possibility." She also announced that she and her husband, Michael Arougheti are contributing one million dollars "in support of The Center's new project for adults with complex conditions - an initiative that will provide individuals with access to state-of-the-art medical services and specialized care, even into their later and final years."

"It was my honor to recognize Nelly as someone whose passion and commitment truly embody everything The Center stands for," said Dr. Theresa Hamlin, President and CEO of The Center for Discovery. "Nelly is more than a supporter - she's family. Her deeply personal connection to The Center has inspired transformative projects like the Discovery Dreams Play Park, the magical accessible treehouse, and the Michael Ritchie Big Barn for Education and Environmental Studies. She also helped launch The Discovery Circle, our first sibling group. Nelly leads with heart, vision, and unwavering dedication. She brings people together, makes the impossible feel possible, and ensures that The Center's legacy of care and innovation will thrive for generations to come."

Nelly Bly Arougheti is a caregiver, advocate, and author, currently serving as a board member and Co-Chair of the Board Development and Endowment Committee for The Center for Discovery. She is a founding member of Women's Health Access Matters (WHAM) and a Trustee for Dwight-Englewood School. Nelly co-authored Marriage from the Heart: Eight Commitments of a Spiritually Fulfilling Life Together and has a distinguished background in book publishing. She is a passionate advocate for The Center, playing a pivotal role in initiatives such as the Treehouse Project, Discovery Dreams Play Park, and the Michael Ritchie Big Barn for Environmental Health and Education. Nelly's brother, Billy, has been a resident at The Center for over 30 years.

The Gala, attended by nearly 580 guests, began with a lively cocktail reception followed by a formal dinner, Text-to-Pledge®, and a silent auction. Notable attendees included Lorraine Bracco, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Robert De Niro, Susie Essman, Gayle King, Dr. Jon LaPook, Eric Mangini, and more.

Proceeds from this fundraising event were directed towards TCFD's most transformative programs including organic farming and nutrition, the Animal Assisted Intervention and Education program, the Integrated Arts program including recreation and music therapy, assistive technology, and capital improvements across TCFD's campuses.

About The Center for Discovery
The Center for Discovery is a leading provider of healthcare and education services for nearly 1,200 children and adults with complex conditions, medical frailties and autism spectrum disorders, located 90 miles northwest of New York City. Named a Center of Excellence in 2016, TCFD has long been a leader in developing new models of care for individuals with complex conditions. Located on 1,500 acres of land in Sullivan County, TCFD, houses school campuses, residences, medical and research facilities, organic and biodynamic farmland, and leased private businesses offering meaningful employment opportunities. Deeply focused on an individual's personal potential and possibilities, rather than a disability, TCFD strives to create better care and unique and challenging opportunities for the most vulnerable populations.

SOURCE The Center for Discovery