Skyland Trail’s ‘Benefits of Laughter’ Celebrates Volunteer Leaders
Atlanta (December 1, 2009) - Skyland Trail's 12th annual Benefits of Laughter gala celebrated the mental health organization's 20 years of service to the Atlanta community, and recognized its founding board and long-time volunteers for their leadership in helping build Skyland Trail into one of the country's most respected and forward-thinking mental health providers.
Held at the InterContinental Buckhead on October 23, Benefits of Laughter was organized by co-chairs Susan Crisler, Elizabeth Willett and Dina Woodruff, and raised nearly $500,000 for Skyland Trail's Financial Aid Program - designed to defray the cost of treatment for clients as they seek assistance in managing mental illness and reintegrating to the community. Volunteer leaders were recognized and honored by Skyland Trail President Beth Finnerty for their five, ten or fifteen-plus years of service, culminating in a standing ovation from the 550 guests in attendance.
Corporate Co-chairs John Gordon and Tommy Hills played instrumental roles in securing a wide sphere of corporate sponsors, including AirTran Airways, Dorothy C. Fuqua and the J.B. Fuqua Foundation, RBC Bank, Chris Willett of the Willett Group at Morgan Keegan, and BNY Mellon Private Wealth Management.
About Skyland Trail
Skyland Trail is a community-based non-profit organization that offers hope to adults with mental illness by teaching them the practical skills they need to lead productive and independent lives. We provide a unique curriculum of innovative services, tailored to the individual client, to improve mental, physical and social well-being. Programs are offered in Atlanta on three campus-like settings and are led by a team of caring professionals who are specialists in their fields.
Chas Strong
(678) 686-5912
