Compeer hosts annual fundraising brunch

Grab a buddy and say, "Hello."

Compeer Sarasota hosted its 2023 annual brunch fundraiser, Pooling Our Strengths: A Match for Every Friend on Feb. 5 at Micheal’s On East.

The brunch started with a speech from Compeer Founder Bunny Skirboll, followed by Honoree Faith Goldman, who is a long-time Compeer supporter and mental health advocate. Compeer promotes mental wellness through one-on-one mentoring and friendship.

Compeer volunteers and mentees spoke on how impactful Compeer Sarasota was in their lives. Then, keynote speaker Allison Schmitt took the stage. 

Schmitt is a 10-time Olympic medalist, four-time Olympian and captain of the 2020 USA Olympic Swimming Team. Now, she is a mental health advocate and spoke about her personal struggles with depression and losing her cousin to suicide.

“Mental health is an invisible illness,” said Schmitt. “I believe, as human beings, we can be more conscious of the need to stop and say, ‘Hello.'” 

Compeer Sarasota CEO Chris Munson expressed that Compeer is in need of volunteers and asked those who were interested to sign up. “Just four hours a month can change the life of a mentee,” he said.

For information about volunteering, visit CompeerSRQ.org or call Volunteer and Client Service Manager Cindy Thompson at 800-5443.