APA ALLIANCE OFFERS SUPPORT TO CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY

Members of the APA Alliance and their guests gather at the historic University Club in Manhattan in conjunction with APA's 2004 annual meeting to hear luncheon speaker Prof. R.J.W. Williams, a member of the Royal College of Psychiatry, and to install new president Cathy Tasman (seated, left) and other new officers.

A highlight of this year's event was that guests were asked to bring an assortment of children's books and stuffed toy animals for donation to the Children's Aid Society of New York. The Alliance wanted to show its support to an organization that has contributed to the mental health of children and their families. The Children's Aid Society of New York offers more than 100 health, education, and recreation services and programs at 38 sites.

Philip Coltoff, chief executive officer of the Children's Aid Society, acknowledged the Alliance's contribution with a letter of appreciation and noted that the books and stuffed animals were given to the East Harlem Children's Community Center. “Your kindness is making a difference in the lives of New York City's children,” he wrote.

Tasman suggested that the Alliance luncheon presents an opportunity for members to bring books and toys to be shared with children in need in the host cities of APA's annual meeting. Next year's meeting will be held May 21 to 26 in Atlanta.