Co-sponsored by the Ric and Suzanne Kayne Foundation and the Al and Tamara Rabil Foundation, the October 16 gala featured emcee Stephanie Ruhle, actor Jocko Sims, country artist Scotty Hasting and a new silent auction collection of works donated by renowned artists
NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Headstrong Project brought together veterans, advocates and supporters at Pier Sixty in New York City on Oct. 16 for its 2026 Gala and fundraiser to provide veterans with access to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment — evidence-based mental healthcare that is confidential and no-cost. The evening celebrated the donors, clinicians and veterans advancing Headstrong’s mission and introduced the organization’s inaugural Legacy Award.
Headstrong, which was founded in 2012 by Al Rabil, Dave Petrucco, and Zach Iscol, presented the Legacy Award to Ric and Suzanne Kayne, honoring their exceptional generosity and longstanding commitment to providing access to mental health care for veterans and military families. U.S. Army General Tony Thomas (retired), former commander of U.S. Special Operations Command presented Mark Greene, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL and author, Headstrong’s Moral Courage Award for his bravery in sharing his experience of trauma and recovery, and encouraging fellow veterans to seek support. The evening also featured a screening of a short documentary by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Matthew Heineman centered on Greene’s experience of trauma and recovery.
MS NOW’s Stephanie Ruhle served as emcee, and actor Jocko Sims (Little House on the Prairie, New Amsterdam) was a featured speaker. The program also featured a musical performance by country music artist and Army combat veteran Scotty Hasting, who has spoken openly about his own journey with PTSD.
This was also the first Headstrong gala for new CEO Tony Brock, a retired U.S. Navy Commander.
“It’s inspiring to meet so many people who want to help veterans take a meaningful step toward healing and a brighter future,” said Brock. “We thank the donors who make those steps possible by helping veterans access quality mental health care without the barriers of cost and stigma. The evening was a tremendous success, but veteran demand keeps growing, and we’ll need continued support to meet it.”
Acclaimed artists King Saladeen, Knox Kronenberg headlined Headstrong’s first art-focused silent auction, donating original works so that 100% of the proceeds went directly to Headstrong’s PTSD treatment for veterans. Images from the 2025 Gala can be found HERE. Photo credit: The Headstrong Project.
About The Headstrong Project
The Headstrong Project provides donor-funded PTSD treatment for veterans. The national nonprofit’s licensed clinicians give veterans, service members and eligible family members access to confidential, evidence-based mental health care at no cost. Headstrong connects clients with personalized outpatient care while reducing financial barriers and stigma associated with treatment. Learn more at theheadstrongproject.org.
Contacts
MEDIA:
Kate Bramlett
kate.bramlett@trailrunnerint.com
214-605-8362
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SOURCE The Headstrong Project
