NAMI DuPage to host their annual 'Shine A Light' gala to raise funds for Mental Health Month
In order to provide comprehensive services to their community, nonprofit organization the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) hosts a yearly gala to raise funds and "shine a light" on the importance of mental health.
This year, the event will be at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at the Chicago Marriott in Naperville. There will be a surf and turf dinner and live entertainment including a magic show and DJ with music and dancing. The theme is "Masquerade," which they say encourages authenticity.
"Many people with a diagnosis may be trying to reach a psychiatrist or therapist, but if they're in crisis, they can come in here and use our Living Room service for free," said Geri Kerger, executive director at NAMI DuPage. "There's a direct correlation between how much is raised and how much free mental health support we can offer any community."
Kerger is hoping for an outcome of about 300 attendees this year. Gala-goers can also expect a video presentation from Marc Rogala, a survivor of substance use disorder and volunteer at NAMI.
Rogala said that hearing a speech from a NAMI volunteer was what helped him start his own journey to recovery years ago. Now, he hopes to do the same for others.
"I'm hoping that it provides hope and inspiration to anyone battling now, to know that recovery and sobriety are possible," Rogala said.
As a whole, the gala expects to shed light on mental health rates in the community and offer resources to anyone who is struggling.
"It's really a benefit to our community when people receive the treatment that they need for any illness," Kerger said.
She hopes the gala will educate people about the services NAMI provides, such as a Living Room space for those in crisis and connections to mental health professionals.
NAMI encourages people to purchase tickets by the end of April. Tickets can be bought on the NAMI DuPage website, namidupage.org/shine-a-light-gala/, for $175 and $160 for each additional guest.
All profits from the gala go toward paying for mental health services in the community.