Compeer Sarasota celebrates its new children’s program
The mental health-focused nonprofit had a great deal to celebrate at its luncheon on April 6 at The Francis.
By
Observer Staff
| 9:54 p.m. April 6, 2017
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Dr. Brendan McCollum perhaps explained it best when he told the crowd at the Celebrating the New Compeer Sarasota’s Children Program Luncheon that mental illnesses are often invisible illnesses, which is why so often, people suffer in silence.
Compeer Sarasota, the local chapter of the international nonprofit, pairs Sarasota-area residents who are living with life-altering mental illnesses with individuals who are not living with such illnesses in order to foster a meaningful friendship that has a positive impact on both involved.
The April 6 event at The Francis was in honor of the nonprofit’s newly launched children’s program, which allows the organization to serve individuals aged five-17, whereas it previously applied exclusively to adults.
Festivities began with some mingling before guests took their seats and were welcomed by Compeer Founder Bunny Skirboll.
Dr. Brendan McCollum, executive director of outpatient children’s services for Coastal Behavioral Healthcare (the parent organization for Compeer Sarasota), then spoke about his experience growing up with depression. His illness left him feeling alone much of the time, and he expressed that after working with Compeer, he realized how much he could have benefited from the program as a child and young adult.
Compeer Sarasota volunteer Niki Kottmann then spoke about her experience with Compeer client Ashley W., and local philanthropist Betty Schoenbaum spoke about the importance of addressing mental health problems in our community before Paul Tarantino gave the closing remarks.
Throughout the event, guests also had the opportunity to bid on two original prints by artist Susanne Schuenke, and all of the proceeds went towards the new Compeer youth program.
Paul Tarantino, Compeer Sarasota Founder Ann Hartka, Compeer Founder Bunny Skirboll and Betty Schoenbaum
President and CEO of Coastal Behavioral Healthcare Inc. Jack Minge, Janice Zarro and Doug Kerr
Ann Hartka assumes her usual position at the volunteer table at the Compeer Luncheon on April 6 at The Francis.
Susanne Schuenke and Helen Glaser
Carol Meese, Kathy Bernstein and Gwen Watson
Dan Austin and Dale Wolfson
Susi Steenbarger, Helen Glaser and Hillary Steele
Arthur Guilford, Elaine Charney and Brenda Hadjian
Coastal Behavioral Healthcare — the parent organization for Compeer Sarasota — staffers gathered at the Compeer Luncheon on April 6 at The Francis.
Marlo Turner, Glenn Buehler and Kimberly Bleach
Norma Savin, Pam Hershorin, Susanne Schuenke, Loretta Katt, Richard Hershorin, Edie Chaifetz and Elaine Charney
Kimberly Bleach, Lois Lucek and Hermione Gilpin
Leona Levin, Joan Goldschmidt and Marilyn Franco
Naomi and Bernie Garber
Two prints by artist Susanne Schuenke were on display at the Compeer Luncheon on April 6 at The Francis.
Coastal Behavioral Healthcare — the parent organization for Compeer Sarasota — staffers gathered at the Compeer Luncheon on April 6 at The Francis.
Compeer Founder Bunny Skirboll addresses the crowd at the Compeer Luncheon on April 6 at The Francis.
Susanne Schuenke and Compeer Founder Bunny Skirboll with Schuenke’s gift — a plant of her choice from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens — for offering her artwork for the raffle at the Compeer Luncheon on April 6 at The Francis.
Dr. Brendan McCollum, executive director of outpatient children’s services for Coastal Behavioral Healthcare, explains his relationship with mental illness while speaking at the Compeer Luncheon on April 6 at The Francis.
Compeer Sarasota Services for Adults and Children Director Lynn Buehler explains how Compeer volunteers and clients “lift eachother up” while speaking at the Compeer Luncheon on April 6 at The Francis.
Ashley W. watches her Compeer Sarasota “match,” Niki Kottmann, speak about their friendship at the Compeer Luncheon on April 6 at The Francis.
Compeer Sarasota Services for Adults and Children Director Lynn Buehler, Compeer Founder Bunny Skirboll, Ashley W. and Niki Kottmann
Betty Schoenbaum tells guests what she finds important about this cause while speaking at the Compeer Luncheon on April 6 at The Francis.
