More than 200 friends and supporters of the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health attended a celebration of recovery at the Center’s second annual No Limits gala at the Hill Alumni Center on the UNC campus on November 12.
Aaron Nelson, chairman of the Center’s advisory board and president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, hosted the program.
Well-known writer and mental health advocate Pete Earley shared his experiences as a journalist and father seeking recovery for his son, who had been diagnosed with bipolar mental illness. Earley was a Pulitzer finalist for his book Crazy: A Father’s Search through America’s Mental Health Madness. He is a former Washington Post journalist and has written 14 books, including the New York Times bestseller The Hot House.
Following dinner, John Gilmore, MD, director of the Center and Thad and Alice Eure Distinguished Professor, presented the Center’s Community Mental Health Advocacy Awards to the Foundation of Hope family—Shelley Belk Eure, Van Eure, and her husband Steve Thanhauser. The advocacy awards recognize individuals who have worked tirelessly to lead the community in improving mental health through education and advocacy, and pay tribute to those who have made a difference in the community on behalf of individuals with mental illness, as well as those who have worked to improve awareness of mental health issues.
The Foundation provides significant financial support for ongoing and new research and treatment through the UNC Department of Psychiatry and its affiliated programs.
“We are thrilled with the large turnout and grateful for the continued support from our donors, staff, advisory board, friends and sponsors,” says Gilmore.
“It was a personal pleasure to be able to recognize Shelley, Van, and Steve” he says. “They have worked tirelessly for the Foundation of Hope which has done so much locally, not only to raise money for mental health research, but perhaps more importantly, to raise awareness of mental illness and reduce stigma through the Walk for Hope.”
The UNC Gospel Choir provided entertainment. David Binanay and Adam Tierney provided music during the reception.
Proceeds from the event will go to Center programs.