Peggy and Vinny Magliula with Anne Lanier. [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

Teenyboppers of a certain age had a smashing good time at the second annual MHA Rocks, held recently at the Oak Harbor Club, with guests sent back to the era of the ’60s British Invasion to benefit the Mental Health Association of Indian River County.

Union Jacks waved, photos were taken with the Queen Mother and everyone did their best to keep a stiff upper lip, but it was difficult as mop-topped John, Paul, George and Ringo look-alikes mingled with women clad in go-go boots, fringed jackets and peace signs.

The BeatleBeat band brought back fond memories of a time when “make peace not war” was the mantra. The message that came through loud and clear, though, was that we need to take off our rose-colored glasses when it comes to mental health. Even the Fab Four famously told the world, “Help! I need somebody.”

The MHA, founded 60 years ago to provide immediate access to mental health care, has made great strides in working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues by spreading the message that, “It’s OK to get help.”

“All of your generosity is making a difference and saving people’s lives,” said Dr. Nicholas Coppola, MHA CEO, adding that it does no good to break the stigma if immediate access to help is not available.

“What’s going to happen? You’re going to commit suicide. You’re going to hurt somebody. You’re going to cut yourself. You’re going to go to the hospital and cost the taxpayers dollars,” said Coppola, adding that the need continues to grow.

Last year, he said, the MHA served nearly 1,000 children through the High School Violence Prevention program and they expect to serve more than 2,300 this year.

Paraphrasing George Washington, Coppola said, “We’re fighting a war. Not against the Great Empire. But we’re fighting a war against mental health, and it’s a bad foe.”

Emcee Geoff Moore asked attendees to make a commitment to “take a step to make a difference in this community. We’re standing up for the people that need it most.”

MHA client Scott Prouty shared that he has fought the battle of his life every day since a horrific car accident several years ago caused serious injuries.

“Sometimes I disassociate so much that I don’t remember. The day that I came in [to MHA] I wanted to end it all. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for the Mental Health staff and Dr. Nick,” said Prouty.

Commenting that experiences during a 15-year career as an Indian River County Sheriff’s Officer also began to haunt him, he said “you see a lot of things that I don’t want to remember. If you know a nurse, fireman, anybody, ask them if they need help, and take them to the Mental Health Association.”

Before diving into a British fare smorgasbord, guests bid on a variety of live- and silent-auction items, among them tabletop turtles painted by local artists and a full-size Centennial Turtle.

As Beatlemania ensued, the dance floor was filled with familiar characters, including the Spice Girls and Austin Powers. This year’s best costume winners were County Commissioner Joe Flescher, dressed as a British Bobby, and Connie Cotherman, who pulled off the perfect British babe with her mod boots, Union Jack dress, retro glasses and blue bob.

For information, visit mhairc.org.