The Mental Health Foundation- 2010 in Review

The Mental Health Foundation made positive strides in our 2010 efforts to end stigma and encourage early diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues.   Two enormously successful events helped deliver our message, strengthen our relations with a wide range of people and organizations, and focus our attention on plans for a brighter and more effective future

Our 2010 Paws for a Cause at the Plaza was an outstanding success.  More than 15,000 people visited the array of vendors, exhibits and presentations April 8 and 9 at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York. Highlights included performances by the Purina Incredible Dog Team; a presentation by noted Broadway animal trainer Bill Berloni; Lisa Chelenza, host of YNN’s Pet Pointers feature on Time Warner Cable, emceed the event.

Lisa Chelenza - YNN Pet Pointers Host and the event’s emcee

Noted Broadway animal trainer Bill Berloni, his daughter Jenna
and "Chico", star of “Legally Blonde”

The program was presented free of charge to the public and recognized the important link between pets and good mental health.

In August, the Mental Health Foundation presented its 2010 “It’s Okay to Talk About It” grants to support peer-to-peer initiatives to encourage young people to confront their mental health challenges.  The recipients were the Albany-based Clear View Center for it’s Insights program which is offered on five area college campuses and the Nassau County Mental Health Association for a new peer to peer outreach program.

The two $10,000 grants were formally announced and presented at the annual August Evening in Saratoga with more than 175 guests in attendance. Special guests included U.S. Representative Paul Tonko; New York State Assemblyman James Tedisco; Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings; New York State Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health Dr. Michael Hogan; New York State Commissioner of the Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Karen Carpenter.

New York State Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Hogan
listens intently during actor Joe Pantonliano’s presentation.

Former New York First Lady Matilda Cuomo, a Foundation board member, and first lady of Saratoga Marylou Whitney served as honorary chairs for the event and greeted guests along with Mrs. Whitney’s husband, John Hendrickson.  The grant program developed from a suggestion by Mrs. Whitney and Mr. Hendrickson two years ago to use the phrase “it’s okay to talk about it” as a way to reach young people and help end stigma associated with mental health.

First Lady of Saratoga Marylou Whitney and her husband John Hendrickson,
join with former New York First Lady Matilda Cuomo in welcoming guests.

The August Evening in Saratoga was memorable for another reason as well as it featured Emmy-award winning actor and filmmaker Joe Pantoliano.

Pantoliano  steals the show as  program host,
YNN Health Reporter Marcie Fraser looks on.

Pantoliano, a familiar face to anyone who has gone to the movies or watched television over the past generation, spoke candidly about his own struggles with brain dis-ease and his efforts to found an organization call NKM2 dedicated to ending stigma – a mission that closely complements the Mental Health Foundation.  His comments preceded a screening of portions of his acclaimed documentary, No Kidding, Me Too!

As we conclude the year, the Mental Health Foundation would like to offer special thanks to our supporters and benefactors including: Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson; the Ann Allen Cetrino Family Trust; Johnson & Johnson; Pfizer; Takeda Pharmaceuticals; CSEA; New York State United Teachers; Salvatore Ferragamo; Time Warner Cable’s YNN; the Times Union; Longfellow’s Inn and Conference Center; SPAC; Fleurtacious Designs; Macy’s; Saratoga National Golf Club.

The Mental Health Foundation offers our sincere appreciation to all of these people and organizations for their wonderful generosity in support of our mission. We look forward to an even more successful year in 2011. Please support our efforts to end stigma.