Pierce Genoni and Avari Fleming. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

The Mental Health Association drew an impressive crowd of 40-somethings to its MHA Rocks the ’80s fundraiser, because no one knows how to pull off the ’80s look better than those who actually grew up in that decade.

The Oak Harbor Club was packed with women who sported teased hair, short skirts, big bangles and colored tights, while the guys dressed as some of the best action heroes and music legends of the era.

Hulk Hogan was there, along with Maverick, Michael Jackson and, from “Back to the Future,” Doc Emmett Brown and Marty McFly.

But despite the frivolity, the night was all about raising money to fund the mental health services offered by the MHA.

Philip Cromer, Ph.D., MHA CEO and a child of the ’80s himself, welcomed the revelers, thanking the sponsors for their generous contributions and his staff for their commitment to making mental health assistance accessible to all.

He also shared some exciting news.

“The last couple of years, we’ve seen exponential growth and we really needed to expand,” said Cromer.

“Not just with the staff, but with our space. Many of you know that a building across the parking lot from us housed the UF Psychiatric Services. Unfortunately, they left. We saw an opportunity and we’ve taken it.”

Cromer said the space will now become the MHA Parent and Child Center.

“We’ll have a full-time therapist doing therapy with the children. We’ll have parenting groups and skill-building programs. We’ve collaborated with other agencies in town, such as Tykes and Teens and Suncoast,” said Cromer.

“They will be a nice addition to the PAC Center because Tykes and Teens offer infant mental health and Suncoast will be coordinating family health. Our mission for the PAC is to get help for kids and families early and often, so we can prevent tragedies from happening later in life.”

Nikki Genoni, a newly appointed MHA board member, delivered a poignant message about the mental health crisis among young people today, including her son, Tyler, who took his own life.

“In September of 2021 our son, Tyler Heiserman, left this world. That day a part of us died.

We realize it is our responsibility as a family to keep Tyler’s spirit alive. On behalf of our family and all those who have been touched by the Mental Health Association, I want to express our deepest gratitude to donors and sponsors who are here to support this cause,” said Genoni.

“The MHA serves as a beacon, a hope for many, offering invaluable service, support and guidance to all those who need it. It’s essential for everyone seeking help to know that it’s not only acceptable, but accessible. Together we strive to prevent tragedies like Tyler’s from occurring again and together we are saving lives.”

The MHA provides immediate access to mental health care. Its Walk-In Counseling Center at 820 37th Place offers immediate behavioral health services to children and adults for their initial visit and by appointment for further treatment and services. Some people may qualify for free or reduced fee services, and many types of insurance are accepted.

For more information, visit MHAIRC.org.

Photos by Kerry Firth