Great Night to Kick Off Mental Health Awareness Month
BAYVILLE, NJ — The annual Bright Harbor Spring Gift Auction benefiting Ocean Mental Health Services (OceanMHS), was held at the Clarion Hotel in Toms River, NJ on May 5th sold out with over 270 guests in attendance and raised $22,000 for the individuals and families that are served by OceanMHS. This was the largest turn out in the event’s five years with more than 125 auction baskets up for grabs. This tremendous feat could not have been accomplished without the support of the local community.
The evening was hosted by the lovely SallyAnn Mosey, News 12 NJ Meteorologist. SallyAnn was a huge hit with the crowd especially when she shared why hosting the event and mental health awareness was important to her.
New to the event this year was the “Ambush Makeover” provided by Tina’s Cuts of Brick. Tina Nesse, owner of Tina’s Cuts, searched the audience for a special lady that was ready for a change to celebrate spring with a new look. Meghan from Brick, NJ was the perfect candidate…she was already beautiful before, but after she sparkled inside and out.
The event also featured the relaxation techniques of Ocean County Massage Institute with on the spot massages for anybody feeling the stress of which basket to choose! Thanks to OC Massage Institute owner, Jill Houston for getting “hands on” so that everybody was relaxed and having fun.
The night wouldn’t have been a success without the support of the local sponsors such as; Capstone Insurance and Financial Services, Alberto Property Management, Genoa Pharmacy, Lester Glenn Auto Group, Hiering, Dupignac, Stanzione, Dunn & Beck, PC, Garden State Community Bank, the D’Onfrio Foundation, New Horizons, Wawa, the County Woman and Victor Bubadias Photography. As well as all of the amazing in-kind donations that helped create the gift baskets everybody wanted! Bright Harbor President, John L. Tweed said “This was the best yet for this event. With the help of a full time person, Lisa Mulhearn, to bolster our outreach and broker new ideas we can only get better. I can’t wait for the next event.”
Mental illness can affect ANYONE. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the gift auction was a great venue to help kick off the month for the Bright Harbor Foundation and OceanMHS as they work together to fight the stigma that still surrounds mental health. Get the facts: 1 in 4 adults in the United States are diagnosed with a mental disorder, depression is the most widespread among the mental disorders, 42 million Americans live with an anxiety disorder be mental health aware and visit www.OceanMHS.org to learn more or to get involved.
Photos Courtesy of Victor Bubadias Photography (www.victorbubadiasphotography.com)
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