The Mental Health Association of Westchester’s MHA on the move Run, Walk, Dance! Raises Funds and Awareness for Mental Health

 CNN’s Gerri Willis, Stone Phillips, and CBS’s Lou Young joined The Mental Health Association of Westchester County, Inc. (MHA) in fighting the stigma of mental health issues and to help the organization raise funds for its programs.  More than 400 Westchester residents raised nearly $250,000 at MHA’s Gala Dance Celebration held on Thursday, September 24, at The Atrium, White Plains, N.Y and fifth annual Run/Walk held on Saturday, September 26 at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park.

At the Gala Dance Celebration, MHA honored actor and mental health advocate, Joe Pantoliano; Janet Z. Segal, Executive Vice President, Four Winds Hospital; Strategies for Wealth, a financial planning and wealth management firm with a strong commitment to helping children; and MHA volunteer Dino Venuto. Donna Clarfeld, chaired the event, and Stephen J. Jones and Susan C. Christenson served as Honorary Co-Chairs. CNN’s Gerri Willis and MHA Board President, Norman J. Michaels, Jr. hosted the Gala Dance Celebration.  The Gala dance was a celebration of MHA’s transformation into an organization guided by the principles of Recovery, a person-centered approach to service delivery.

Proceeds from MHA on the move Run, Walk, Dance! will support MHA’s advocacy, education and direct services.  “These events help us to address the stigma that too often accompanies having a mental health problem and prevents people from getting the help they need,” said Dr. Amy Kohn, MHA’s CEO and Executive Director.  She noted: “These amazing community events bring people together to raise awareness of what we do, and how we help.”

Thank you to all who participated and fundraised for MHA on the move Run/Walk 2009. We are grateful for your support.   Donations are still being accepted. Please click here: