2017 Out of the Blue
FIGHTING THE STIGMA
by Niki Kottmann in The Observer
National Alliance on Mental Illness Sarasota County proved Oct. 26 that, though a cause that often gets forgotten, fighting mental illness stigma is important to many Sarasotans.
NAMI Sarasota County hosted 400 guests at its inaugural Out of the Blue fundraiser at Sarasota Architectural Salvage. Chairwoman Doreen Sutherland said people “danced all night” to live entertainment provided by Rallo Pucci, featuring lead singer Shelley Maxwell.
Pam McCurdy emceed the silent auction and raffle, which in total valued more than $18,000. It even attracted a bidder from the Florida Keys, who called in to bid and eventually won a guitar signed by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band for $3,100.
Chairwoman Doreen Sutherland, Wendy Abramson, Pam McCurdy and Jamie Barrett — Photo by Cliff Roles
Based on the sold-out ticket sales, NAMI Sarasota County’s first fundraiser was a success. Doreen said there were people calling all the way up to the event asking for tickets, even though they sold out the week before.
“Clearly people in Sarasota are looking for a way to support mental health in our community,” Doreen said. “And as the umbrella organization for all mental health resources in Sarasota, we look forward to the continuation of our educational programs, support groups and helpline and expanding our capacity to serve the community.”
We are grateful to all our sponsors:
OUT OF THE BLUE MATCHING FUNDS:
The Green Family Foundation
PRESENTING SPONSORS:
SILVER SPONSORS ($1,000):
— Dean Sutherland, MD, PhD
Sarasota-Manatee Human Resources Association
IN-KIND SPONSORS:
MEDIA SPONSORS:
