Supporters of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Sarasota and Manatee Counties turned out on Oct. 4 to Payne Park, helping the local organization make its fifth annual fundraising walk a success. Through the efforts of more than 450 participants, the organization raised nearly $90,000 to facilitate free mental health services.
NAMI has operated locally for more than 40 years, and as development director Jake Hartvigsen explained, its services help residents of all ages. Support groups extend to caregivers and family members as well, at no charge.
"We are really working to not only break the stigma of mental illness, but also to break down those economic barriers," he said.
NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties CEO Colleen Thayer said the event is all about connection, community and supporting one another.
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"The money we raise from this is unrestricted, so we can really put it toward the area of greatest need," she said, thanking everyone for their support this year.
She said this funding will primarily support expanded programming, even into DeSoto County.
The Demartini family, in only the week and a half between hearing of the event and joining it, raised the most of any team, more than $4,000. The 14-member team drew motivation from the memory of Jennifer Demartini, who died by suicide on May 1.
Her mother said navigating the past few months has been challenging for family and friends, but she hopes that by speaking more openly about mental health, they can contribute to creating a more supportive community where residents feel they can reach out for help when needed.
"It makes me feel fantastic," she said when asked about the impact her fundraising efforts will have in the community. "I'm sorry for what led to this, but if we can help other people, that's why we're here today."
Mike Wagner, Andy Demartini and Gretchen Demartini walked at the 5th annual NAMIWalks Sarasota and Manatee fundraiser on Oct. 4 at Payne Park in memory of Jennifer Demartini.
Photo by Dana Kampa
More than 450 people contributed to the success of the fifth annual NAMIWalks Sarasota and Manatee fundraiser on Oct. 4 at Payne Park.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Volunteers Lynn Lafferty, Kimbal Grassia and Ellen Wilson share information about the mental health services available through NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Photo by Dana Kampa
NAMIWalks participants who raised more than $100 to support free mental health services received a commemorative T-shirt.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Emcee Beth Walters, training director with NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties, raises the energy at the NAMIWalks opening ceremonies with some hula hooping.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Before NAMIWalks Sarasota and Manatee officially began, participants joined in an impromptu jazzercise class led by Shari Nastri from the Lakewood Ranch studio.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Jazzercise Lakewood Ranch instructor Shari Nastri said she has been proud to play a part supporting NAMIWalks for the past several years.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Bob Santore and Lisa Demello joined those supporting NAMIWalks Sarasota and Manatee, aiding the mental health organization in expanding its free services to community members. Demello honors the memory of her son, who died by suicide.
Photo by Dana Kampa
NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties CEO Colleen Thayer and NAMIWalks emcee Beth Walters welcome attendees to the opening of the 5th annual fundraiser.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Participants in this year's local NAMIWalks wrote down their reasons for joining on a banner.
Photo by Dana Kampa
NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties member and volunteer Lenny Hoffman designed a special T-shirt as part of the organization's fundraiser walk this year. He shared what NAMI's resources have meant to him over the years and how proud he is to support its mission.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Participants in the 5th annual NAMIWalks Sarasota and Manatee make their way to the start line. The walk did not have a set distance, but participants were invited to walk as many laps as they liked.
Photo by Dana Kampa
More than 450 community members registered for this year's local NAMIWalks fundraiser.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Participants in this year's NAMIWalks Sarasota and Manatee drew motivation from many sources, all with the goal of giving back.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Team Jennifer raised more than $4,000 to support the mission of NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.
