A Beacon Of Hope

“Never give up hope.” That is the message that NAMI AAC will deliver during its fourth-annual mental health gala and awards dinner on May 18 from 6:30pm–11:00pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Annapolis.

NAMI AAC is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Anne Arundel County affiliate, a grassroots organization that provides support, resources, advocacy and education for raising awareness, fighting stigma and inspiring hope.

NAMI AAC provides advocacy, education, support and training in mental health for all Anne Arundel County residents for free. The nonprofit has weekly support groups for people with mental illness and for caregivers.

NAMI facilitates its signature eight-week Family to Family course, currently four times per year, created for families, parents, caregivers and friends of those with mental health challenges. The classes focus on topics such as the brain, communication skills, empathy, medicines, psychiatry/psychology and other topics. NAMI also offers its peer-to-peer class that provides education about mental illness and recovery. In addition, NAMI does many community education events focused on mental health.

Tickets to the upcoming dinner are $125, and attendees will be treated to their entree choice of chicken Annapolitan, duroc pork chop or vegetarian tortellini. NAMI AAC is also seeking corporate and individual sponsorships for the annual gala and awards dinner. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $15,000 in return for varying amounts of event signage, recognition on the NAMI AAC website and tickets to the event.

For more information, contact NAMI AAC Executive Director Fred Delp at fred.delp@namiaac.org.