Derby for a Cause
On Saturday, May 7 gates opened for the Kentucky Derby. Here in Hernando County it was a beautiful Florida day for the Kentucky Derby ‘”Daze” Fundraiser at Strong Tower Vineyard and Winery.
NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) held a wonderful Derby style fundraising event to help raise awareness and funds for the Hernando County location.
David Mickelson, Vice President for NAMI explained that the need is important here in Hernando County and expansion within the organization is necessary to help those that are in need. With just over thirty years in the county, awareness and expansion is an ongoing process.
“The proceeds go towards training materials, education classes and support classes,” David Mickelson, Vice President of the Board said.
A support group for Veterans is an upcoming program NAMI wants to offer for those living in Hernando County. “We are really proud of that and working on the certification right now and looking forward that,” Mickelson said.
A future work center is in line for NAMI, where people with mental illness can receive job training. “We not only want them to help them get better, we want them to be a part of the community in our workforce,” Mickelson said.
“Fundraising events are important and gives us the opportunity to do more in the community and advocate for mental health,” said Tina Kinney who was recently appointed Executive Director.
“We need to bring it the next level, Hernando County is so lacking in mental health services, and we need to raise the awareness to help those move on to the next level,” stated Lori Morrison (Treasurer). Morrison has been with NAMI for eight years.
“Hernando County struggles with resources. This is one of our goals with our new Executive Director to really get the word out about NAMI, so we can be a little more proactive than reactive,” Anne Marquis Board Secretary said. “It’s pretty powerful when you realize you are not alone.”
Surroundings and weather couldn’t have made for a better Derby day at Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery.
“We think it’s really important, the community is what supports us, a lot of the organizations such as NAMI are pleasant and valuable, it’s nice to see the community not only participate with their organization but participate with us too. It makes us stronger in the community together,” Terry McKnight owner of Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery explained. “We are helping them accomplish their goal and that is our purpose.”
As for the results of the Kentucky Derby, Nyquist, ridden by jockey Mario Gutierrez won the 2016 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs for the 142nd Kentucky Derby race.
http://www.flnamihernando.org/index.html
http://www.strongtowervineyard.com/