The luck of the Irish was with the Mental Health Association of Indian River County at two St. Patrick’s Day events to raise funds for its Walk-In & Counseling Center. Saturday evening featured a festive Shamrock Shindig After-Party at the newly remodeled Grand Harbor Beach Club.

Roughly 100 partygoers, colorfully clad in multiple shades of green, enjoyed leprechaun plates of food paired with local Florida craft beers and wine. The Bobby Owens band played poolside, enticing guests to get up out of their seats and dance under the stars while enjoying the lovely evening.

Bidding was steady at the silent auction tables for coveted prizes that included impressive trip packages, artwork, wine baskets and a signature hand-painted Turtle Trax sculpture valued at $20,000.

“The proceeds from today go directly toward providing immediate access to mental health care without barriers,” said clinical psychologist and MHA board chair, Karen Mersky, Ph.D. “If someone is in a crisis they can walk in and see a counselor right away. We will see them regardless of their ability to pay.”

“The Mental Health Association serves about 1,000 patients per year at our Walk-In Counseling Center, but we provide between 10,000 to 11,000 services overall,” said MHA Executive Director Bob Brugnoli, Ph.D. “Services include individual and family therapy, medication management, psychiatric evaluation, case management and group therapy support.”

Brugnoli noted that any Indian River County resident is eligible to receive free mental health screening and crisis intervention help.

“We also operate some drop-in centers to provide a supportive environment for people struggling with mental health conditions,” he added. “These centers are run by peers in recovery and are open seven days a week, 365 days a year.”

Brugnoli took a moment to talk about the recent Whole Health initiative introduced by the MHA last year. In an effort to ward off severe emotional and behavioral problems before their onset, MHA is offering classes and lectures that address the integration of physical, emotional, occupational, social and spiritual health.

Earlier in the day, 127 green-clad runners, and even a few leprechauns who infiltrated the pack, participated in an inaugural Brew to Brew St. Patrick’s Day half-marathon. The day was picture-perfect with blue skies and 70-degree temperatures for the runners, some of whom came from as far away as Washington State, New Jersey, New York, Georgia and Arkansas. The 13.1-mile course began and ended at Walking Tree Brewery, taking runners on a tour through downtown Vero and McAnish Park, past the airport and as far west to 66th Avenue before returning to cross the finish line. An after-party celebration included live music, costumes, food-truck delights and some well-deserved handcrafted brew.

“This was our first St. Patrick’s Day celebration,” said Mary Silva, fund development and special events manager for the MHA Walk-In & Counseling Center. “We had over 60 volunteers serving water at various stops along the course and we couldn’t have done it without them.”

For more information about upcoming classes and lectures at the Walk-In & Counseling Center and other MHA services, visit mhairc.org.

Article: Kerry Firth, Correspondent

Photos by: Denise Ritchie
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