By Ellen Edwards, Board of The Counseling Center

March 30, 2022: Long-time Bronxville resident Doug Cruikshank will be honored at The Counseling Center’s 50^th Anniversary Gala Celebration on May 6 at the Bronxville Field Club. Doug’s deep connection to Bronxville and commitment to community service, including his many years on the board of The Counseling Center, make him a natural and enthusiastic choice as honoree.  Originally chosen as honoree for the 2020 gala, which was cancelled due to the pandemic, Doug will now share the stage with two additional honorees, Vicki and Si Ford, who will be featured in a future article.

Proceeds from the gala will support the nonprofit Counseling Center’s important work, in particular its fee subsidy program, which allows the professional staff to offer critical services, including psychotherapy, marriage counseling, and family and child therapy, to those who are unable to afford full-fee treatment. This program provides enormous relief to members of the community who are struggling with difficult life issues and often overwhelming stress. The Counseling Center seeks to help  clients transform their greatest challenges into opportunities for growth, empowerment, and fulfillment.

Doug’s family has a long history in the village; his two children are the third generation to be raised here. Although as a teenager he left town for boarding school, followed by college and business school, he returned with his wife Lisa to help raise their family and pursue a career in finance.  At P10 Holdings, he manages the Hark Capital fund franchise.  He has served on the boards of numerous local organizations, including the Bronxville Adult School, Al Amana, and the Bronxville Field Club.  Currently, Doug serves on the board of the Community Fund.  Additionally, he has mentored and counseled a veteran as part of the American Corporate Partnership program, which helps veterans transition into business positions.  His dedication to community service reflects his belief that his neighbors are not just residents of Bronxville but include all those in the wider area who may not be as privileged as those right next door.

Doug’s enthusiasm for the work of The Counseling Center, where he was Treasurer for some time, arises from experiences all during his school years when peer counseling and participation in hotlines raised his awareness of how essential good mental health is to one’s overall well-being, and how easily it can be overlooked.

Within the community Doug is also known for his love of racquet sports, especially tennis, squash, and paddle, sports his whole family enjoys.  At Siwanoy Country Club and the Field Club he has forged enduring friendships.  

Doug considers himself an aspiring golfer and piano player. After disliking piano lessons as a kid, he took up the challenge again as an adult when his daughter Lindsey began playing at age six. According to Doug, everyone agrees her piano skills now far exceed his.  Lindsey, a junior at Denison University, is spending a semester in Seville, Spain.  His son Robbie attends Fordham University.

Thanks to generous sponsors of this year’s benefit, all proceeds from the gala will go to support the important work of The Counseling Center.  Underwriters for Doug Cruikshank are Patricia and Joe Forgione, Jonalie and Michael Korngold, Margaret and Andy Paul, Tania and Carter Neild, and Rosanne and Mark Welshimer.

Anne Coyle Lemberger, chair of the board, said, “During the pandemic, more and more people discovered what a vital resource they have in The Counseling Center.  Its many clients over the decades have found confidentiality and compassion from its skilled therapists.  They consider it a trusted, valued resource.”

Virgil Roberson, L.P., M. Div., NCPsyA, Executive Director, added, “Some people come to The Center with serious mental health concerns. Some seek help with common life challenges.  Sometimes short-term, focused psychotherapy is appropriate, and in other cases, longer term, more intensive therapy is the best approach. During recent difficult times in particular, more people face tough situations, and often it helps to speak to an objective, impartial person who is not a friend or family member.”

Roberson continued, “I’m especially excited to be honoring Doug Cruikshank at the 2022 benefit.  Doug has been a good friend for many years, and his work on various boards is exemplary.  His energy and enthusiasm will bring an extra spark of excitement to the benefit.”

For your convenience, tickets to The Counseling Center’s 50^th Anniversary Gala can be purchased on-line at http://www.tcc50gala.givesmart.com/. Or call the office at 914 793 3388 to order them directly.  

The Counseling Center in Bronxville offers therapy for individuals, couples, and families, through video platforms, telephonically, and in person. Please feel free to reach out if we can help, by calling Dr. Jennifer Klein, 914 793, 3388. To keep abreast of ongoing information and activities at The Counseling Center, please visit our website at https://counselingcenter.org/.

Ellen Edwards is a board member of The Counseling Center.