2025 Healing TREE Annual Gala Shines at The Players NYC

On October 18, 2025, the 10th annual Healing TREE Gala convened at The Players in New York City. This flagship fundraising event brought together stakeholders, supporters, survivors, and world-class talent under one roof to advance the mission of healing from trauma.

Venue & Atmosphere

The historic The Players mansion, an 1847 Gilded Age landmark, served as an elegant backdrop for the evening’s proceedings.
Guests entered via a red-carpet arrival, mingled during the VIP pre-reception at 6 PM, then proceeded into the main dinner and program at 7 PM. With creative-cocktail to black-tie attire, the vibe balanced glamour with purpose.

Program Highlights & Talent

The gala’s entertainment lineup featured prominent performers and speakers:

• N’Kenge (Tony/Emmy/Grammy nominee)
• Christina Bianco (West End favourite)
• John Magaro (film & TV actor: Past Lives, The Big Short)
• Kevin Kilner (film actor: Raising Helen, Home Alone 3)
• Additional talent: Mia Pinero, Pooya Mohseni, touring/recording artist Lila Blue, jazz ensemble Annie Hägg’s Hot Five, magician/mentalist Dan Winter, and author/train­er Dr. Jamie Marich.
  The program integrated performances, speeches, and a live auction of high-value items (e.g., signed guitars, NBA-legends basketballs, Broadway coaching experiences) to support the cause.

Mission & Impact

Healing TREE’s mission is to move beyond symptomatic coping for abuse survivors, focusing on true transformation. (Healing TREE)
The Gala is a key annual lever for funding their initiatives: EMDR/Brainspotting trainings, community education, expressive arts, and so on.
By gathering talent, donors, survivors and advocates in one space, the event amplifies awareness and fosters community.

Auction & Fundraising

The gala included an online auction opening October 11, covering exotic travel, limited-edition memorabilia, and therapeutic/self-care packages.
In-person components raised funds via ticket sales (general and VIP), sponsorship tiers (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver) and the live portion of the auction. (Healing TREE)

Highlights & Takeaways

• The gala celebrated its 10th anniversary, signifying a decade of the organisation’s high-profile fundraising. (Healing TREE)
• The choice of The Players reflects a convergence of arts, culture and social impact in one venue.
• High-profile performing artists and actors elevated the event’s visibility and appeal.
• The dress code and format balanced formal gala tradition with creative-cocktail flexibility—accessible but elegant.
• Funds raised will directly support Healing TREE’s trauma-treatment, education and expressive-arts programs.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Healing TREE Gala reaffirmed the power of combining artistic talent, philanthropic support and social purpose. Attendees left with more than a memorable evening—they contributed to meaningful healing work. The organization’s mission to transform society’s response to abuse and trauma gained momentum thanks to this successful event.