This year’s MHA Rocks Saturday Night Fever benefit was all about ‘staying alive.’ More than 200 attendees, dressed in sequins, tie-died outfits and bell bottoms, rocked out to the sounds of Disco Fever while raising funds and awareness about mental health.
After a lively hour of socializing, bidding on silent-auction items and boogieing, dinner was served and speakers were introduced.
Phil Cromer, Mental Health Association CEO, welcomed everyone and spoke briefly about the myriad mental health services the organizations provides, including individual therapy, support groups, a 24-hour drop-in center and medications.
Paige Martin-Suermondt, who works with children and families in the Academic Skill Building program in local schools, spoke of the impact of the MHA Parent and Child Center and the ASB program, which helps children with focus, time management, organization and emotional regulation.
She showed a painting that a homeschooled teenager gave her and read the impactful note of appreciation that accompanied it: “When there’s dark times, there is also light hidden in the shadows. Keep fighting and bring the light. Thank you for helping me, because you saved me from suicide. I didn’t know how to stay positive but you helped me find my light.”
Saving our youth and changing their lives is the focus of the Mental Health Association, which is dedicated to providing immediate access, without barriers, to mental health care. They believe that each dollar raised, every story told and every voice heard will bring the community one step closer to ensuring that people are aware that help is available, before a crisis becomes a tragedy.
Members of the Genoni family once again sponsored the fundraiser in memory of Tyler Heiserman, who committed suicide in 2020. Tyler’s mother, Nikki Genoni, who currently serves as vice chair of the executive board, gave a heartwarming speech about the importance of mental health awareness and the need for resources to assist those in need.
“We don’t lack compassion, and we don’t lack people who have the compassion and care or the organization who deeply cares for those. What we do face is a gap in awareness, priority and sustainable funding. And with that gap is when people fall through the cracks,” she said.
“Like so many families, mental health was not at the forefront of our lives. There was no diagnosis. There was no long-term history. There was no warning sign. In that moment of crisis Tyler did not know where to turn or where the resources were to get help,” said Genoni.
“We need to treat mental health with the same urgency, compassion and investment we give to every other critical cause in this community, so no other family stands where we once stood. As I stand here for Tyler and for those who are suffering in silence, your support becomes hope. And that hope becomes a lifeline for somebody who may need help tomorrow. Together, we can make sure that no one in this community feels alone,” she added.
As the night wound down and the disco lights dimmed, the MHA message remained powerfully clear: that staying alive means staying connected.
The Mental Health Association seeks to shine light into the shadows by offering hope, healing and lifesaving care to those who need it most, ensuring that no one has to face their darkest moment alone, and that every person knows where to turn when it matters most.
For more information, visit MHAIRC.org.
