CarePlus Foundation Announces 16th Annual Courage Awards Gala
Paramus, New Jersey (PRWEB) March 07, 2014 -- The CarePlus Foundation will recognize individuals and groups who work tirelessly on behalf of individuals and families facing the daily and life-long challenges of mental illness and substance abuse at their annual Courage Awards Gala on May 28th, 2014 at the Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey.
This year’s honorees include the Paramus Stigma Free Zone Task Force, a coalition of concerned citizens, business leaders, local government, and school officials that supports the elimination of stigma in the Paramus community; Sister Mary Foley and her therapy dog Luke, who together work with individuals and communities struggling from traumatic events as a member of the Bergen County Traumatic Loss Coalition; and Steven Gavosto, a local business owner and former CarePlus Trustee who has been a strong proponent in the fight to end stigma. The Foundation will also award the inaugural Compassionate Care Award, an honor presented to a CarePlus staff member who represents the best in the field of mental health care.
The 2013 Courage Awards Gala provided $33,000 in scholarships to clients suffering from mental illness who needed financial assistance with reaching their educational goals. More of the money raised went to help young families pay for rent to stay in their homes and provided the essential medication that can be impossible for many to afford. Plus, other money raised at last year's Courage Awards Gala helped to fund addiction services, outpatient therapy for children and adults, child abuse intervention and much more.
"Mental illness is just like any illness, but unlike others there is stigma associated with it,” said Maureen Moriarty, Chairperson of the Care Plus Courage Awards Gala. “Too many people suffering from mental illness remain silent because of the stigma and do not seek help. Some people do not even know there is help available. Now more than ever we need to end the stigma and help put people on a path to recovery. The Courage Awards provides an opportunity to raise the necessary funding to continue to educate the community about mental health."
The Courage Awards Gala includes a cocktail hour, dinner, live and silent auctions, raffle and more. The event is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event, attracting attendees from across the state, including representatives and supporters from the Northern New Jersey business community.
The Foundation is currently welcoming dinner guests, sponsors, and auction donations. For more information, visit http://www.CarePlusFoundation.org or call 201-986-5070.
Caryl Felicetta, Care Plus NJ, Inc., http://www.CarePlusNJ.org, +1 (201) 986-7733, [email protected]
Share this article