April 2018
By Lois Maharg
Date: Sunday, May 6, 6–9 p.m.
Location: Portage Yacht Club,
8930 Dexter-Pinckney Rd.,
Pinckney, MI 48169
Tickets: $100, click here to purchase
Dust off your party shoes, take out your fancy clothes. NAMI Washtenaw is gearing up to host a Lifesavers Gala, venturing into uncharted territory.
“This is our first big attempt at a gala affair,” said gala co-chair Patricia Doyle. “We thought we would draw people into an event that would be attractive, fun, and a good way to socialize and get people who know nothing about NAMI to learn more about some of our programs.”
Some of NAMI WC’s programs now address the issue of suicide and interventions that help to prevent it.
“There is now a huge concern with the number of suicides in the last couple of years, which seems to be increasing,” Doyle said. Rather than hold another event for people already familiar with NAMI’s work in promoting mental health, “we’re reaching out further because almost everybody has had some experience or heard about a suicide in their community. I think it’s on everybody’s radar right now.”
The Lifesavers Gala will be a strolling event rather than a sit-down affair, Doyle said, with plenty of time to mingle and socialize. Beverages will include beer and wine and assorted non-alcoholic drinks. Cocktails will be available at a cash bar. The food will consist of an array of dinner-style appetizers—such as chicken kebabs, Swedish meatballs, and stuffed mushrooms—and desserts.
Guests will be able to enjoy views of Portage Lake from inside the Lake Room or outside on the deck. Weather permitting, guests can walk along the beach or take a pontoon boat ride. A silent auction will feature self-care items such as massages, a gardening basket with 10 perennials, fine wines, and a kayaking day trip for two on the Huron River.
Funds raised will be used to support NAMI Washtenaw’s suicide prevention efforts as well as its many other education, support and advocacy programs.
It all this sounds like a lot of fun (and a good way to ensure continuation of NAMI’s many worthy programs promoting mental health), purchase your tickets here.