The Music, Memories & Mouthwatering Morsels fundraiser to benefit the Mental Health Association introduced supporters of the organization to country music singer and inspirational speaker Jimmy Wayne, who shared the heartfelt story of his life growing up in the foster care system.
Wayne, author of the New York Times bestseller “Walk to Beautiful,” took the stage Saturday night at the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts at Saint Edward’s School, speaking of his own experiences to raise awareness of mental health issues and the foster care system. His talk, which took the audience through his roller coaster of a life, stemmed from a promise made to himself to give back to others in appreciation of his success.
Acknowledging the people who helped him along the way, Wayne imparted the message that perhaps the donors in the room would be the ones saving others like him through the Mental Health Association.
Wayne, who considers himself one of the blessed ones, had lived in at least 60 homes before finally finding long-term refuge with an elderly couple at age 13. Now an advocate for foster children, he is working to increase the age that they “age out” of the system from 18 to at least 21, giving them more time to adjust to an unsupported life on their own.
Before Wayne spoke, MHA Executive Director Dr. Bob Brugnoli introduced three local students selected by Wayne as opening acts who astounded the audience with their talents. Vocalist K.C. Barry accompanied by pianist David Israel, both St. Edward’s students, performed two beautiful pieces; and Emily Melton from Indian River Charter High School played the guitar and sang two lilting country tunes. Guests ended the evening with an elegant cocktail reception in the gymnasium, transformed with white linens and stunning flowers.
“What we like to do at our events is both entertain as well as inform,” said Brugnoli. “Jimmy fulfills that role both as an entertainer and also revealing children’s issues as he tells us about his own journey. We were looking for someone who could get out the word on children’s services and the importance of catching mental health conditions early and Jimmy is a great advocate for the children in foster care.”
Brugnoli noted that 20 percent of children have mental-health issues which emerge in adolescence and become full blown by adulthood, but that with foster children that percentage rises to 40 percent.
“I am an MHA supporter, but also my grandson K.C. was one of the singers,” said Charles Long, accompanied by wife Peggy. “I thought the program was really spectacular. As an agent of communicating to the community about children’s concerns, he really crystalized the issues.”
“After hearing him tell his story I want to buy his book and give it to every one of our grandchildren,” added Peggy Long.