Mental Health Advocates of WNY to host annual dinner at Atrium @ Rich's

Dinner will honor local leaders

The Mental Health Advocates of WNY (MHA) will host its 58th annual dinner and auction on Wednesday, March 11, at the Atrium @ Rich’s. This is the MHA’s signature event and biggest fundraiser of the year. The auction will open at 6 p.m. along with drinks and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a sit-down dinner and program to acknowledge those who have made a difference throughout the year in support of mental health issues.

At the dinner, Paul Hogan, executive vice president of John R. Oishei Foundation, will be presented with the Community Impact Award. A press release explained Hogan has “made an extraordinary impact in WNY as a catalyst for change with respect to mental health issues.”

Camalot Todd of Spectrum News Buffalo will receive the MHA’s Advocacy Award for the impact she’s made through her series #IAm1in5. The series covers in-depth mental health issues and personal stories to help break down the stigma of/and other barriers to getting mental health treatment.

Jenny Laney, director of the child and family support program at MHA of WNY, will receive the Professional of the Year Award for her “dedication to helping children and families living with the challenges of mental illness.”

Mike Billoni of Billoni Associates will receive the Courage to Come Back Award for his “resiliency and ability to rise above his mental health challenges and share his personal experiences to help individuals who are going through similar situations.”

Wayne Whitaker, a dedicated court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer, is being honored as Volunteer of the Year.

Table sponsorships are available. Individual tickets are $100. To become a sponsor or purchase tickets for the dinner, visit www.mhawny.org or contact Kelly Miskovski at 716-886-1242, ext. 326, or [email protected].

For more than 50 years, Mental Health Advocates of WNY, formerly the Mental Health Association of Erie County, has promoted the mental health and well-being of the community through education, public information, prevention programs, and training while supporting individuals and families living with mental illness through advocacy, treatment linkage and outreach services. To learn more about Mental Health Advocates of WNY call 716-886-1242 or visit www.mhawny.org.