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November, 12 2006 - NAMI St. Louis "Unmasking Mental Illness" Awards & Gala
What: Each year NAMI honors outstanding individuals in the community who have improved the lives of persons with mental illness and their families.
Where: Hilton St. Louis Frontenac
When: November 12, 2006
Time: 5:30 PM
Ticket Prices: $150.00 Per Person
Beneficiary: NAMI St. Louis
Committee Members: Karen R. Heath, Mary Arnold, Kathy Battles, Joyce Cammon, Doris Devereux, Laura Cooper Fox, Maria Gianino, Mary Grothe, Denise Norath, Janet powell, Steve Powell, Jerry Spector and Becky Zaccarello
Attire: Evening Attire, Business Formal or Cocktail Attire
Information: Jackie Korn 314/966-4670
Board of Directors: Steven Powell, President; Carol Evans, Ph.D., Vice President; Maria Gianino, Treasurer; Regina Trotter, Secretary; Kathy Battles, Deborah Bryant, Umesh Choksi, David Craig, John Csernansky, M.D., Elayne Davis, Dennis Fox, Esq., Dennis Fogleman, Jerry Grothe, Karen R. Heath, Philip Hutchinson, Joseph M. McHugh, Christina Randolph, Suzanne Sierra, Jerry Spector, Corliss Strathern, Frederick Thal, Major Robert Trittler, Darwyn E. Walker and Larry Williams
Blacktie Photos by: Diane Anderson
Kathy Carter, Dr. Karl Wilson, Nancy Gongaware
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NAMI St. Louis "Unmasking Mental Illness" Awards & Gala
NAMI-St. Louis recognized seven outstanding members of the community at its gala fund-raiser, “Unmaking Mentall Illness" on Sunday, November 12, 2006. The event took place at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac.
The evening began at 5:30 pm with cockails, appetizers and a silent auction. Then at 7:00 pm, the 250 guests were seated for an elegant dinner and an awards ceremony.
The local affiliate of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill - NAMI St. Louis (NAMI) - honored nine members of metropolitan St. Louis who made outstanding professional or personal contributions to improve the lives of those with mental illness and their families.
The seven honorees were:Mary Duffield, R.N., 2006 Mortimer Goodman Award, a registered nurse with BJC Behavioral Health who has contributed professional expertise, time, and talent in serving those with mental illness in the Metropolitan St. Louis area for more than 25 years
Senator Patrick Dougherty, 2006 Outstanding Legislator Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership as a Missouri State Senator in preserving Medicaid and other mental health services in the state of Missouri during his 28 years in the Missouri legislature
B. Joyce Kelley, 2006 Outstanding Law Enforcement Professional Award; recognizing her outstanding leadership and contribution of time and talent as Associate County Counsel to the development and implementation of the Mental Health Court in St. Louis County
Donna Kay Rittenhouse, Ed.D, 2006 Outstanding Educator Award, recognizing her outstanding contribution of time and talent in educating and supporting hundreds of families affected by mental illness
Chris Ferguson, 2006 Lifetime Volunteer Award, recognizing her outstanding contribution of time and talent as a NAMI St. Louis volunteer for more than 28 years.
JoAnn and Russell Hartley, 2006 Outstanding Volunteer Award, recognizing their outstanding contribution of time and talent as NAMI St. Louis volunteers for families and individuals affected by mental illness
EmersonCompany, 2006 Outstanding Civic Leader Award, recognizing their outstanding support of NAMI St. Louis programs and services for those with mental illness and their families.
NAMI St. Louis is an organization that provides a support network to people with severe mental illness and their families. Proceeds from this fund-raiser will go to such NAMI activities as HELP-line, Family-to-Family education, Crisis Intervention Training for police officers, family skills workshops and support groups in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles and Jefferson Counties.
Mental illness affects one family in five. An estimated 80,000 people living in the St. Louis area have, or will be diagnosed with, a severe mental illness. “The impact of severe mental illness can be dramatic for neighbors, friends and relatives, and consequently for our communities,” says Jacqueline Lukitsch, executive director of NAMI-St. Louis. “What’s important to understand is that mental illness is treatable, more so than most other chronic illnesses.
“Our programs and services assist individuals and families learn about mental illness, available treatment options, and coping skills while providing a supportive network,” adds Lukitsch. “An educated, supportive family is key to recovery of a loved one diagnosed with mental illness. We also advocate in the community for important mental health services and public policies."
For more information about the Annual Gala or NAMI-St. Louis' programs and services, please contact Jackie Corn at 314-966-4670 or visit the website at http://www.namistl.org/.