Generation S.O.S. Sold-Out Benefit Raises Nearly $800K For Free Mental Health/Substance Misuse Prevention Programs

Generation S.O.S. held its 8th Annual Summer Event and raised nearly $800K to support the unique nonprofit’s ongoing mission to bring peer-to-peer mental health and substance misuse prevention programs — at no cost — directly to teens and young adults at schools and other institutions nationwide.

The sold-out event on August 2 in Water Mill was attended by a diverse group of supporters — business and community leaders, families, young adults, and elected officials including NY State Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright, Former U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney, NYS Assemblyman Tommy Schiavoni, Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore, Southampton Town Trustee Jimmy Mack, and Long Island Congress candidate Chris Gallant.

At the event, Generation S.O.S Founder and Executive Chair Robin Kiam Aviv and Chief Executive Officer Jim Hood welcomed the audience and gave remarks, followed by actor Jason Biggs in conversation with Grammy Award-winning Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, who shared his personal journey to overcome substance misuse.

Actress/model Sophie Sumner was the emcee, Christopher J. Hanke hosted the live auction, and live music was provided by Cold Spring Harbor band, led by Beckett Smith.

Generation S.O.S. raises awareness about mental health challenges, especially substance misuse, through education, storytelling, and peer connection. The organization empowers teens, young adults, and parents to recognize warning signs, build healthy coping strategies, and support one another through honest conversation and shared experience. In the process, Generation S.O.S. empowers young people to become leaders — expanding its reach far beyond their own schools.