Mental Health Advocates of WNY to host 'Unleash the Superhero Within' at Transit Drive-In

Mental Health Advocates of WNY (MHA) is hosting “Unleash the Superhero Within” on Aug. 11 at the Transit Drive-In Theatre “to celebrate the superhero in all of us.” The event starts at 7 p.m. at 6655 S. Transit Road, Lockport.

“Over the past year, each of us has faced change and adversity as our world has been transformed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” MHA Executive Director Melinda DuBois said. “While there may still be more challenges ahead, it’s time to celebrate our successes and recognize the superhero within each of us. On Aug. 11, we’re not just raising money; we’re lifting spirits and spreading hope.”

Event attendees are encouraged to dress in costume as their favorite superhero and get their picture taken with members from the Superhero Alliance of Western New York before the movie starts. Tickets include choice of movie (“Wonder Woman” or “Spider-Man: Homecoming”), and a snack bar voucher for popcorn, candy and soft drink. Tickets are $20 for kids and $25 for adults. Patrons can arrive early to hang out with friends, visit with superheroes, participate in raffles, games and movie-going fun.

Tickets are available online at https://qrco.de/mhadrivein, or visit MHA’s homepage at mhawny.org or the Facebook Event page.

A press release stated, “The pandemic has been particularly hard on youth, with data from Mental Health America showing that young people are struggling the most with their mental health. One in three girls and one in five teen boys have experienced new or worsening anxiety. For nearly 60 years, Mental Health Advocates of WNY has been providing support and assistance to families and individuals living with a mental health diagnosis. Today, more than half of MHA’s programs serve children and young adults and the need for services is on the rise.”

This event is sponsored by BestSelf Behavioral Health. Proceeds will directly support MHA’s children and youth mental health programs.

The press release said, “By attending this family-friendly fundraising event, moviegoers will be helping to support MHA’s essential work in children’s and youth mental health here in Western New York.”

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.

BestSelf Behavioral Health is an organization formed through the merger of Child & Adolescent Treatment Services and Lake Shore Behavioral Health in June 2017.