APRIL 2019
BY LOIS MAHARG
NAMI Washtenaw County has provided education, support and advocacy for people with mental health conditions and their families since 1984. Join us in celebrating our 35th anniversary at the Portage Yacht Club on May 18!
Last year’s gala was built around the theme of helping prevent suicide.
“This year,” said Patricia Doyle, who co-chairs the Development Committee with Alison Paine, “the gala’s going to be a celebration of NAMI Washtenaw’s 35th anniversary, so we’re going with a theme that’s more upbeat: The Empowerment Gala.”
Activities will begin with a social hour. Guests will mingle and chat over appetizers and beer and wine.
“It’s going to be a little bit fancier this year,” Doyle said. Appetizers will be followed by a full dinner featuring entrees such as poached salmon and cherry chicken, several side dishes, and a salad bar. A celebratory cake will be served as dessert.
A short program will include a showing of NAMI Washtenaw’s newly revised video, which now lists our sponsors, and assorted speakers.
In addition, Doyle said, “outside on the deck there will be a special ceremony to remember those who died by suicide.” Paper lanterns will be released into the air. Also, raffle tickets purchased at the door will be used in a drawing for gift cards to be held near the end of the evening.
Last year’s gala netted over $11,000. This year we’re hoping to raise more. So please show your support by purchasing tickets right here!