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Move for Mental
Health 2001
A 5K Run/Walk to Raise Awareness
Event Re-cap
"The Journey
of a Thousand Miles…Begins With the First Step"- XXXX
We took our first step...and are pleased to announce that the Move for
Mental Health 2001 was a great success! The event, a partnership between
Washington Advocates for the Mentally Ill and Community Psychiatric
Clinic, generated over $20,000 in revenue (financial contributions,
services and merchandise) and welcomed more than 355 registrants.
The event began with a colorful performance by the Raging Grannies and
a guest appearance by Congressman Jim McDermott who kicked-off the event
as the keynote speaker. Congressman McDermott touched on the importance
of education, awareness, and the possibilities of recovery, as well
as support for the parity bill (equal insurance coverage for those with
mental illness), and stayed to walk the course!
 Seattle’s
very own Total Experience Gospel Choir provided a soulful return for
event participants at the end of the run/walk, lifting spirits as their
voices rang through the park. ProMotion Events, who professionally timed
the course, did an excellent job of welcoming runners and walkers across
the finish line by calling their names and times. Congratulations to
Shirley Havenga, CPC’s CEO, who ran and placed second in her age
category!
Everyone who attended was provided an event t-shirt, refreshments, and
“goodie” bag containing information about mental illness and
how to access support and services. Individual runners, walkers, and
teams took home awards acknowledging their achievements. The Stillwater
Striders were recognized as the team with the most spirit and Seattle
Children’s Home for having the most team members (17). Each team
was awarded a commemorative plaque and silver ribbons for each member.
Todd Marks, who was provided a scholarship to participate in the event,
received a plaque and the grand prize (admission for two to Tillicum
Village) for collecting $188 in pledges, more than any individual. Twenty-five
participants and volunteers received great prizes that were given away
through a random drawing at the conclusion of the event.
 Without the
support of many donors and dedicated volunteers, this event would not
have been possible. Generous contributions were received from the following
major sponsors: Pfizer ($3,000) - Fairfax Hospital ($1,000) - Bank of
America, Benefit Port Northwest, Group Health Cooperative, Janssen Pharmaceuticals,
Mutual Materials, United Behavioral Health, and Urban Press ($500).
Eleanor Owen, Executive Director of WAMI, and Shirley Havenga, CEO of
CPC, deserve special tribute for endorsing the event. Planning committee
members, Sherrill Bohart, Rachael Demaster, Carolyn Hale, Paula Huffman,
Grace Martinez, Arnie Martinez, Mindy Meyring, Becky Nelson, Michele
Patience-Stahl, Kylee Qualls, Glenn Reed, and Brian Oster of ProMotion
Events also deserve special recognition for their collaborative work
and dedication to making the event a reality.
With the overwhelming support of so many, we were able to take an important
step for mental illness, and bring attention to a disorder that touches
so many. Our journey has just begun, but it is our sincere hope that
this effort will only continue to grow over time as the Move for Mental
Health becomes a permanent fixture in our community, furthering much-needed
education, awareness, and support for those who suffer from mental illness.
To view over 200 photos of the event, please visit www.myraceday.com.
To view the names and times of individuals who ran or walked, please
visit www.ontherun.com. |
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