Going to bat for mental illness
Mental illness knows no age, gender, race or economic circumstance. It takes a variety of forms and includes a range of severities.
Despite this knowledge, stigma and stereotype continue to burden those diagnosed with a mental illness, and may often deter those individuals from seeking help.
Your Human Resource Center of Wooster, a private, nonprofit organization serving Wayne and Holmes counties, is devoted to alleviating the debilitating symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse, but they can’t do it alone.
In order to provide services to all with a sliding fee scale, they are hosting their third annual Sports Auction and Banquet on Thursday, March 3, from 5-8:30 p.m., at Memories Party and Conference Center in Wooster.
“Regardless of a person’s ability to pay, we offer services for everybody. So, the sliding fee scale makes services available for everyone,” said Angie Giltner, event coordinator for the banquet and coordinator for intervention services at the agency. “The fundraiser is so we can continue to offer affordable services so we don’t have to turn anyone away.”
Giltner explained that the idea blossomed from the realization that sports play a large part in people’s lives—and their idea has certainly hit a home run, as evidenced by its success.
“In the past we have always had people say how well the event was put together [and] how enjoyable the evening was. People have said that even though the theme is sports, they have been very pleased with the variety of items we have had,” Giltner added.
Some of the featured items up for auction include cornhole boards, Cleveland Cavalier tickets, gift certificate and sample products from Sheer Professionals, an overnight stay at the Carlisle Inn, jewelry from Premier Designs, Ohio State University hand warmers, four tickets to a Columbus Crew regular season game, and a gift basket from Smucker’s. All of the items were donated.
“It’s just a really fantastic way to give back to those people who are hurting and give them hope, so they can lead healthy and happy lives as everyone deserves to have,” Giltner continued. “We’ve really enjoyed the past two years and the successes that come with that. We have had generous support from area businesses, which we very much appreciate. Without the generosity of the people throughout Wayne and Holmes counties, our events would not be successful.”
The event will also feature retired major league umpire Larry Barnett, who will serve as a humorous addition to the meal, raffles and silent, live and Chinese auctions.
“Laughter is a big part of mental health, so we brought Larry on board for that purpose,” Giltner said. “We have averaged 100 people per year. My goal would be triple that amount.”
Hoping to score a couple of metaphorical touchdowns with their dual cause, Giltner encouraged empathy and support for those struggling with personal issues, and urged anyone, with any budget, to attend, adding that it will boast something for everyone. Tickets are $35 each, which includes the meal, and can be purchased from Giltner by calling 330-264-9597 by March 1.
“If everyone stopped and looked back in their life, we’ve all experienced some type of situation; we’ve all had feelings that have felt unmanageable. Some people choose to get help for that. We commend those people, we welcome those people, and we offer them services because we want everyone to have positive mental health and live healthy lives,” Giltner said.
Despite this knowledge, stigma and stereotype continue to burden those diagnosed with a mental illness, and may often deter those individuals from seeking help.
Your Human Resource Center of Wooster, a private, nonprofit organization serving Wayne and Holmes counties, is devoted to alleviating the debilitating symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse, but they can’t do it alone.
In order to provide services to all with a sliding fee scale, they are hosting their third annual Sports Auction and Banquet on Thursday, March 3, from 5-8:30 p.m., at Memories Party and Conference Center in Wooster.
“Regardless of a person’s ability to pay, we offer services for everybody. So, the sliding fee scale makes services available for everyone,” said Angie Giltner, event coordinator for the banquet and coordinator for intervention services at the agency. “The fundraiser is so we can continue to offer affordable services so we don’t have to turn anyone away.”
Giltner explained that the idea blossomed from the realization that sports play a large part in people’s lives—and their idea has certainly hit a home run, as evidenced by its success.
“In the past we have always had people say how well the event was put together [and] how enjoyable the evening was. People have said that even though the theme is sports, they have been very pleased with the variety of items we have had,” Giltner added.
Some of the featured items up for auction include cornhole boards, Cleveland Cavalier tickets, gift certificate and sample products from Sheer Professionals, an overnight stay at the Carlisle Inn, jewelry from Premier Designs, Ohio State University hand warmers, four tickets to a Columbus Crew regular season game, and a gift basket from Smucker’s. All of the items were donated.
“It’s just a really fantastic way to give back to those people who are hurting and give them hope, so they can lead healthy and happy lives as everyone deserves to have,” Giltner continued. “We’ve really enjoyed the past two years and the successes that come with that. We have had generous support from area businesses, which we very much appreciate. Without the generosity of the people throughout Wayne and Holmes counties, our events would not be successful.”
The event will also feature retired major league umpire Larry Barnett, who will serve as a humorous addition to the meal, raffles and silent, live and Chinese auctions.
“Laughter is a big part of mental health, so we brought Larry on board for that purpose,” Giltner said. “We have averaged 100 people per year. My goal would be triple that amount.”
Hoping to score a couple of metaphorical touchdowns with their dual cause, Giltner encouraged empathy and support for those struggling with personal issues, and urged anyone, with any budget, to attend, adding that it will boast something for everyone. Tickets are $35 each, which includes the meal, and can be purchased from Giltner by calling 330-264-9597 by March 1.
“If everyone stopped and looked back in their life, we’ve all experienced some type of situation; we’ve all had feelings that have felt unmanageable. Some people choose to get help for that. We commend those people, we welcome those people, and we offer them services because we want everyone to have positive mental health and live healthy lives,” Giltner said.
Published: February 22, 2011
