An Emerald Evening was held April 25 at Michael's On East.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 9:26 p.m. April 25, 2019
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One in every five American adults lives with a mental illness. This was one of the statistics presented to guests at NAMI Sarasota County’s first gala on April 25 at Michael’s On East.
An Emerald Evening gathered supporters of the local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness, which gives educational presentations to students and facilitates support groups for people with a mental illness and their loved ones.
After dinner, volunteer Vicki Hellerick shared how NAMI has changed her life, and her speech was followed by a live auction led by Michael Klauber. An educational video, paddle raise and raffle drawing followed before guests enjoyed dessert and dancing with DJ/singer Jonathan Cortez.
Chairwoman Heather Dunn
Chad and Executive Director Colleen thayer, Kimberly Thomason and Steve Remis
Kathy Gilkey, Honorary Chairwoman Doreen Sutherland, Gana Gilkey and Angela and Jody Abrams
The tables were decorated in shades of green.
Orchids centered every table.
Barbara Howell, Barbara Wulf and Aurora Cameron
Beverly and Artie Cavazzi
Brian Mariash and Donna Koffman
Brenda Schimmel and Poll Giuffrida
Linda Krysinski and David Peterson
Suzanne Connor, Jean Cooper, Bev Kellett and Joan Nixon
Robert Corace and Claudia Beaza
Rodney Skinner, Melissa Larkin-Skinner, Giselle Stolper and Bob Collins
Geoff and Poppy Spencer with Will and Anna Chase
Jeff Peterson, Linda Krysinski, Anne Weintraub and Sal Diaz-Verson
Stacy Greeter and Lam Nguyen
Amelia Hanks, Emma Burke, Niki Kottmann and Katie Johns
Rich Segall and Liza Caruso
Sara Carney, Vicki Hellerick and Julie Morris
Jim Strickland and Adam Seidel
Music by the Jazzberries filled the atrium as guests enjoyed cocktail hour.
Steve and Amy Rakouskas
Jonathan Cortez sings during dinner.
Co-Chairs Dr. Cary and Heather Dunn tell stories of their personal connection to mental illness.
Niki Kottmann tells guests that on average, one in five American adults lives with a mental illness.
Volunteer Vicki Hellerick speaks about her experience living with mental illness and giving NAMI Ending the Silence presentations in local schools.
Executive Director Colleen Thayer gives Chairwoman Heather Dunn a hug to thank her.
Executive Director Colleen Thayer is the only NAMI Sarasota County paid employee.
