The second annual National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-Southeast Louisiana’s “Raising Hope” gala on May 9 allowed the organization to raise funds and educate.
The event’s name is based on the belief that mental health starts with hope and its purpose was to raise funds so people and their families living with mental health challenges can benefit from the hope, help and healing NAMI offers, which includes a number of programs that are free.
Taking place in the historic Garden District home of Katherine and Tony Gelderman, the highlight of the event was when City Councilman Joe Giarrusso was given the “Raising Hope” award. Giarrusso is an advocate on behalf of mental health programs and awareness.
“It was our pleasure to co-chair the second ‘Raising Hope’ benefit. This new tradition elevates and ensures the work of NAMI-SELA as it endeavors to provide hope, help and healing, throughout Southeastern Louisiana to those with mental illness and the people who share their lives,” said event co-chairs Betty Tedesco and Dr. Ken Tedesco.
“We were honored to chair and be supported by so many other equally impassioned volunteers.”
Fun Fact: Yellow flowers are Raising Hope’s motif: the color yellow means hope, and flowers represent beauty.
