MOMENTUM FOR MENTAL HEALTH RAISES $8K IN LAST 15 MINUTES OF SHINING STARS BENEFIT!
San Jose, California – June 8, 2009 – Momentum for Mental Health raises $8K during Annual Shining Stars Benefit ~ Rising Above Stigma celebrated May 8, 2009, at the Santa Clara Marriott.
Momentum’s 2009 Shining Stars Luncheon Benefit was a huge success. This year’s luncheon attracted 250 people and featured, Laura Lawless, attorney, Miss Arizona 2002, and a dynamic and entertaining speaker whose candor and openness about her struggle with and eventual recovery from a major mental illness carried the audience through a rollercoaster of emotions ranging from sadness to laughter. Ms Lawless delivered a call to action that motivated the audience to speak out against stigma. “The Shining Stars Benefit has become a powerful vehicle driving Momentum’s goal to publicly shed light on the issue of stigma surrounding mental illness. We are honored to have had such an eloquent speaker as Laura Lawless delivering a strong message of strength and recovery,” said Momentum’s CEO Paul Taylor.
Over half a decade ago, Momentum for Mental Health began the Shining Stars Luncheon Benefit in response to the need to recognize the unsung heroes in the community, and to bring to the forefront the impact stigma has on individuals affected by mental illness. Year after year, Momentum has spotlighted community leaders that have a long history of supporting the mental health community. This year’s celebrated awardees included Nancy Peña (Director of Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System, Mental Health Administration), Jerry Doyle ( CEO of EMQ Families First), and the Stephenz Group ( largest independently owned advertising firm in Northern California). Attracting over 200 people annually, corporate and business sponsors, and raising additional dollars within the last 15 minutes of the event, the Shining Stars Luncheon Benefit has become a standing pillar of hope, inspiration, motivation and celebration throughout the mental health community.
The topic of mental illness still has negative connotation due to stigma, however, Momentum has worked hard to change that, showcasing events like the Shining Stars in hope of raising awareness about mental illness and the importance of quality mental health services that can lead to wellness and recovery. “I commend the exceptional individuals and organizations that were honored with the 2009 Shining Stars Leadership Award. Having served on the mental health board for 8 years, I truly see the benefit of celebrating the achievements of our service providers and the success of people who recovered from mental illness,” said special guest Council Member, Kansen Chu.
About Momentum
Momentum for Mental Health is the largest private, nonprofit provider of adult mental health services in Santa Clara County. Information about Momentum programs and services can be found at www.momentumformentalhealth.com . For event video and pictures go to www.momentumformentalhealth.org/get_involved/event/5
Media Contact: Leslie Barry Connors lbarryconnors@momentumMH.org
