Move for Mental Health 2003: 3rd time’s a charm!

Seattle’s third annual Move for Mental Health, held Sunday, September 28, 2003, proved to be a shining success for those who believe in a better life for people with mental illness and their families. The event, a partnership between Community Psychiatric Clinic and NAMI Greater Seattle, generated over $33,000 in revenue from donations, registrations and sponsors, and was attended by 600 people.

Congressman Jim McDermott kicked-off the event as keynote speaker. Congressman McDermott, a psychiatrist himself, touched on the importance of education, awareness and the possibilities of recovery, as well as support for the parity bill (equal insurance coverage for mental health), and stayed to walk the course.

The weather was spectacular and complemented the natural beauty of Lake Washington and Sand Point Magnuson Park, where the event was held. Everyone could feel the positive energy in the air as they arrived to support mental health and be warmed by the sun. This year’s event focused on the potential and recovery of individuals with mental illness and received major media attention by The Seattle Times. The piece, which appeared in the Monday paper, highlighted the personal story of a mental health client and Don Clayton, a caseworker with the Downtown Emergency Services Center, who ran the 5K race in honor of his clients.

Another highlight of the day was the performance of Zazou, whose magnificent voices and inspirational songs welcomed runners and walkers as they approached the end of the course. All participants were provided t-shirts, refreshments and sports bags containing valuable mental health information, including an opportunity to win many random prizes.

Over 60 volunteers devoted their time on event day. Without their support, and the support of a dedicated group of individuals who worked on organizing the event for several months, the Move for Mental Health could not have happened.

We are extremely grateful to the following sponsors whose generous contributions helped support the Move for Mental Health:
AstraZeneca $5,000
Advanced Digital Technology (Teldata) $1,000
Buck Hoffman, Windermere Real Estate $1,000
Premera Blue Cross $1,000
Sam’s Club $1,000
Tarutis & Barron, P.S. $1,000
Abbott Laboratories $750
Bank of America $750
Benefit Port Northwest $500
Brown and Brown Insurance $500
Harborview Medical Center $500
Janssen Pharmaceutica $500
Randy Revelle $500
U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray $500
Washington Hospital Association $500
Branch, Richards & Co., P.S. $250

We would also like to acknowledge the following businesses for providing in-kind donations and helping us keep event costs to a minimum:
Athlete’s Foot/Reebok Jamba Juice
Eli Lilly LaVassar Florist
Forward Press Market Time Foods
Greenwood Market XS Energy Drink
Great Harvest Bread Company QFC

The goal of this event was to raise awareness and funds to support individuals in the community with mental illness. It was with the dedication and support of everyone involved that we were able to achieve this goal. Judging by the level of support demonstrated this year, and the need for mental health awareness and services in our community, we’ll be back next year! We welcome you to join us in September 2004!

To view more photos from the event, visit www.MoveForMentalHealth.org.

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	2004
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	Archived News
	2001-2003