By Carlotta Mohamed
The Samaritan Daytop Foundation based in Briarwood has launched a new fund-raising effort to empower donors to double their impact as part of the $1 Million Matching Challenge.
Eric Hadar, founder of The Eric Hadar Family Foundation, unveiled the challenge Oct. 10 at the Samaritan Daytop Foundation’s Where Good Lives Gala, recognizing the work of individuals and organizations who have demonstrated leadership in their commitment to New York’s most vulnerable residents.
The Queens-based organization — located at 138-02 Queens Blvd. — is one of New York’s largest health and human services nonprofits. It provides life-saving programs for people battling addiction and mental health issues, innovative services for veterans, programs for homeless individuals and families, and initiatives for women and children.
Samaritan Daytop Village is the beneficiary of the $1 Million Matching Challenge.
Proceeds donated to Samaritan Daytop Foundation will be matched — dollar for dollar — by Hadar’s Family Foundation, up to $500,000.
Founded in 2015, The Eric Hadar Family Foundation helps to fund institutes at the forefront of research in the field of substance abuse treatment and prevention, as well as funding organizations committed to supporting individuals in recovery and families through job training, housing, and ongoing support services.
“There has never been a more critical moment to support the work of Samaritan Daytop Village, which is saving the lives of thousands of New Yorkers through its innovative and compassionate programs,” said Hadar, the chairman and CEO of Allied Partners, a real estate investment, development and property management firm in New York. “I could not be prouder to stand with this extraordinary organization as we address some of the most challenging problems facing New York City today.”
Since 2015, Hadar has donated more than $680,000 to Samaritan Daytop Foundation. His donations through the Matching Challenge will increase his total giving to the organization to over $1 million.
Hadar began donating to the nonprofit following the merger of Samaritan Village and Daytop Village at the end of 2014.
“We are grateful to Eric Hadar for his generosity and for his extraordinary service to the board of Samaritan Daytop Foundation. We are ready to meet his million-dollar challenge and hope that others will join him, and us, in making a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of New Yorkers in need,” said Colleen Taylor, chair of the Samaritan Daytop Foundation Board.
For more information about the $1 Million Matching Challenge, visit www.501auctions.com/WhereGoodLivesGala/custom/1-million-matching-challenge.
Reach reporter Carlotta Mohamed by e-mail at cmoha
