HealthCorps Grassroots Garden Gala 2013

NEW YORK - APRIL 17: HealthCorps Grassroots Garden Gala 2013 on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at Gotham Hall, New York City. HealthCorps® founded by heart surgeon and two-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show host Dr. Mehmet Oz and his wife Lisa, to combat the childhood obesity crisis, honored Marlo Thomas and Harold Hamm for their contributions at their 7th Annual Gala, the “Grassroots Garden Gala,” on Wednesday, April 17, at the majestic Gotham Hall in New York City. The Gala, one of the most festive and inspiring charity event galas in the city, always has a few surprises. No surprise, however, is that once again the gala, emceed by Dr. Oz, was well attended with over 500 guests, including leaders from the media, entertainment, medical and entrepreneurial communities in the greater tri-state area. Special guests included, Jermaine Paul, Daphne Oz, Naughty By Nature, Phil Donahue and Alejandro Chaban as well as the buff Super Lawyer, fit mom and long time supporter of Health Corps, Rosemarie Arnold who can be seen regularly biking around Sagaponack in the Summer months. Dr. and Mrs. Oz co-founded HealthCorps in 2003 to provoke healthy lifestyle changes through youth implemented programs. The entire Oz family walks the talk serving not just as models of the lifestyles that they promote on multiple media platforms. But the galas themselves are an important part of the overall plan. As stated by Dr. Oz: “The reason I’m proud of HealthCorps and the reason why we love these Galas is because it’s both, on an emotional and a physical level, a way of giving back,” said Dr. Oz. For example, the couple’s eldest daughter, Daphne Oz, has regularly attended the galas supporting the Oz family mission but her participation has evolved. Daphne has evolved to become a force to be reckoned with in her own right as both an author and healthy lifestyle advocate. As Daphne explained, “When we started this charity as a family it was really with this idea that with information comes power. And every year that we do this gala, every year that we spread the word to more and more people who are able to affect a change in their own communities, it makes it that much more exciting for us because the information really starts to take on a life of its own.” Evidence abounds confirming Ms. Oz’s assertions. Princeton grad, Daphne Oz is the New York Times Bestselling author of Relish: An Adventure in Food, Style, and Everyday Fun, a total lifestyle guide with the goal of maximizing every moment and "fill[ing] your life with fun." Oz's first book, the national bestseller The Dorm Room Diet, documented her successful approach to avoiding the "Freshman 15" Together with the cast of The Chew, Oz authored The Chew: Food. Life. Fun. book, a multi-week New York Times Bestseller.Daphne has appeared on Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, The Dr. Oz Show, The Nate Berkus Show, The Tyra Banks Show, and NPR Weekend Edition. Lisa Oz, in an introspective moment, clearly proud of what an idea has become, stated, “What I love about tonight is that it’s a celebration – the hard work all year long, the kids, the schools and making a change. And tonight is really about celebrating the differences they’ve made and seeing the kinds of things that they do.” That Girl! Marlo Thomas, the Gala’s honoree, focused on the Oz family’s tireless efforts to HealthCorps. “I love what Dr. Oz is doing, not just on his show and by making us all understand what health is about, but he’s also encouraging children and parents to make children well and healthy.” Thomas, an actress, producer and social activist with an impeccable reputation for her commitment to causes that matter, has long been the spokesperson for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her husband, media personality Phil Donahue, himself a pioneer in television talk show medium paid homage to Dr. Oz referring to him as the most respected physician in the country and a very good talk show host. Donahue reflected, however, on the true import of Dr. Oz when he stated that Dr. Oz has become such a “major figure in modern health,” speaking in a way that “everyone understands.” Donahue hit the nail on the head. Truth is that there isn’t a demographic in America that Oz’ and HealthCorps’ message does not resonate with. The Grassroots Garden Gala kicked off the night with a “health fair” hour highlighting HealthCorps’ current curriculum. The main event included a black tie dinner followed by performances from Naughty By Nature, the Eturnity Band and Jermaine Paul. PHOTO CREDIT: Copyright © 2013 Manhattan Society.com by Gregory Partanio with Chris London, Joe Corrigan, Brad Barket | tel:718.614.7740 | e-mail: PrinceGregory@manhattansociety.com | Bookings: bookings@manhattansociety.com