09/03/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Family Counseling Center Announces 2025 Gala Event and Honorees
[Gloversville, NY] - The Family Counseling Center of Fulton County, Inc. is pleased to announce it’s 2025 Fall Fundraising Gala, to be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Lanzi’s on the Lake Restaurant and Marina in Mayfield. This annual event offers guests an evening of celebration, community, and purpose while raising critical funds for the Center’s programs, which provide vital mental health and support services to more than 4,500 clients each year across the Mohawk Valley and Southern Adirondacks. Tickets are $100 per person, with tables of ten available. Space is limited, and early reservations are encouraged at thefamilycounselingcenter.org/gala.
Honoring Community Champions:
This year’s gala will recognize two remarkable individuals for their leadership and dedication to the region:
Dr. David Ziskin, District Superintendent of Schools and CEO of the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES, will be honored with the David and Ann Lee Clough Award. Since 2019, Dr. Ziskin has served as both the Chief Executive of HFM BOCES and the New York State Commissioner of Education’s regional representative, guiding local school districts in law, policy, and practice. Over his 33-year career, he has advanced educational opportunities and fostered collaboration across multiple districts,
including Fort Plain, Amsterdam, Broadalbin-Perth, and Fonda-Fultonville.
Peter Kiernan will receive the Mary Ann Harzinski Outstanding Community Service Award. A lifelong Gloversville resident, Peter built a distinguished career in glove design, manufacturing, and sales - including creating gloves featured in the USA
Olympic Team’s opening ceremony outfit - bringing national recognition to our community. Beyond professional success, Peter has dedicated his life to service, volunteering as a Big Brother, serving on numerous locals boards including the Nathan Littauer Hospital Board and its Foundation, and helping fundraise for organizations such as The Family Counseling Center, Fulton County Regional SPCA, Mountain Valley Hospice, and the Caroga Arts Collective.
Michael Countryman, Chief Executive Officer of The Family Counseling Center, shared: “David and Peter represent the best of what our community has to offer. Their work reflects the mission and values of The Family Counseling Center, and we are honored to celebrate their contributions. The awards not only recognize their achievements but also honor the legacies of Dr. David and Ann Lee Clough and Mary Ann Harzinski, who were deeply committed to mental health and community service.”
Supporting Mental Health for the Region:
Since its founding in 1976, The Family Counseling Center has been a cornerstone of support for individuals and families. It’s programs include a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, Children and Family Services, and the Domestic Violence Program of Fulton County. Funds raised through the Gala directly support the continued growth and accessibility of these
essential services.
The Family Counseling Center extends its gratitude to Presenting Sponsors - Rick and Mary Frasier and Premier Sponsors - John and Sunday Blackmon, The Delaney Foundation, Gail and Jerry Ryan, USI Insurance, Eleos Health, and Mission Driven Data as well as The Gala’s Cocktail Hour Sponsor - The Bonadio Group.
About The Family Counseling Center:
For nearly 50 years, The Family Counseling Center has provided mental health services to individuals and families in Fulton County and beyond. Licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health, the Center offers a full spectrum of
evidence-based programs for clients of all ages, beginning at age five. Its mission is to provide the skills, support, and guidance needed for healthier lives and stronger communities. For more information about The Family Counseling Center, it’s programs, or ways to get involved, please visit thefamilycounselingcenter.org.
📍Media Contact:
Peter Lawrence
Chief Operating Officer
(518) 725-4310 ext. 134