Oscar-nominated actress Emily Blunt (“Oppenheimer”) hosted the 20th anniversary GALA for The American Institute for Stuttering (AIS) on Wednesday, September 16th at the Rainbow Room in New York. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the recap.
The evening was hosted by actor, producer, and philanthropist Emily Blunt; and honored, Steven Tananbaum, the Founder, Managing Partner, and Chief Investment Officer of GoldenTree Asset Management.
The event featured live performances by American Idol finalist Jesse Findling and America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Amanda Mammana. Attendees also heard from AIS staff and clients through a fireside chat where they shared personal stories and highlighted the transformative power of AIS’s therapy.
“People who stutter are people with voices, ideas, humor, intelligence, talent, and stories worth hearing.” The reach of AIS has grown enormously over these past fifteen years. Among our dedicated clinicians, we are licensed to work with people of all ages who stutter literally all across the United States. But if you had told me in 2011 what AIS would become, I don’t think I could have imagined it. And I certainly couldn’t have imagined doing all of this without the incredible people who work alongside me,” said Dr. Heather Grossman, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-F, American Institute for Stuttering Executive Director.
Background on The American Institute for Stuttering
Since 1998, the American Institute for Stuttering (AIS), a non-profit organization offering expert speech therapy and community support for people of all ages who stutter, has helped thousands of individuals speak freely and live fearlessly.
The 20th Annual benefit GALA was hosted by Emily Blunt, board member and advocate for AIS who publicly sheds light on stuttering and its impacts. Attendees were presented with two new public service announcements, titled “Just Listen” and “The World of Possibilities,” co-produced and unveiled by Emily Blunt alongside Dr. Heather Grossman.
Broadcasting nationally across broadcast networks through October, these spots work to raise awareness regarding speech impediments while fostering better understanding and thoughtful communication with the stuttering community.
Dr. Grossman was also presented with an award recognizing her 15 years with AIS and her dedication to helping people who stutter.
To learn more about the American Institute for Stuttering, check out the official website.
