Group 17 is the most readily reduced elements on the periodic table, meaning that they are so close to being a stable elements, only missing 1 electron to complete their valance electron shell. Thus they will essentially react with anything to get that last electron!
Group 1 elements are extremely reactive because they are the most readily oxidized, they are very close to reaching stability by giving up only 1 electron. Thus they will react with almost anything to give up their electron.
