More than 175 friends and supporters of the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health attended a celebration of recovery at the third annual No Limits Gala held at the George Watts Hill Alumni Center on November 17.
John Gilmore, MD, director of the Center, and Aaron Nelson, chairman of the Center’s advisory board and president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce hosted the evening. Featured speaker and professional drummer Mike Veny shared his personal experience with mental illness. A mental health advocate and the founder of TransformingStigma.Com, he has traveled the country and appeared on ABC, CBS and NBC news programs to speak on the stigma of mental illness.
Gilmore and Thava Mahadevan, MS, director of operations at the Center, presented the Center’s Community Mental Health Advocacy Awards to the district court judges of Orange and Chatham counties for their work with defendants diagnosed with mental illness. Chief District Judge Joseph Buckner accepted the award. Other judges recognized included the Honorable Charles Anderson; the Honorable Beverly Scarlett; the Honorable James Bryan III; the Honorable Lunsford Long; the Honorable Patricia Devine (Retired); and posthumously, the Honorable Page Vernon. The Center’s Community Resource Court is a collaboration with the District 15 Judicial System. The awards recognize individuals who have worked tirelessly to lead the community in improving mental health through education and advocacy. It also pays tribute to those who have made a difference in the community on behalf of individuals with mental illness, as well as those who have improved awareness of mental health issues.
“We are thrilled with the large turnout and grateful for the continued support from our donors, staff, advisory board, friends and sponsors,” said Gilmore.
The UNC Clef Hangers entertained during dinner, and Steve Munoz and Adam Tierney provided music for the reception.
Proceeds from the event will go to Center programs.
Photo L-R
First Row Judge Lunsford Long, Judge Charles Anderson, Mr. Thava Mahadevan, Ms. Caroline Ginley, Dr. Cam Enarson, and Judge Joseph Buckner
Second Row Dr. John Gilmore and Judge James Bryan