2024 Journeys Magazine
Events
EACH YEAR, SKYLAND TRAIL HOSTS several unique fundraising events. Each event offers a fun and distinct experience and an opportunity to support recovery for individuals with mental illness. We are honored by your participation and especially grateful to our volunteers and sponsors.
Benefits of Laughter 2024
October 17, 2024
Event Chairs:
Frances Kerr & Sharmila Prabhu
Patron Chairs:
Suci & Hardie Jackson
Corporate Chair:
Brennan Spry
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, Skyland Trail will host our 21st annual Benefits of Laughter at The St. Regis Atlanta.
Thank you to our 2024 lead sponsors!
PRESENTING SPONSOR
DIAMOND SPONSORS
Skyland Trail 5K Run/Walk 2024
September 14, 2024
The third annual Skyland Trail 5K Run/Walk was held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the J. Rex Fuqua Campus for adolescents. Nearly 200 individuals participated in the event, which raised more than $60,000 to support the evidence-based treatment programs at Skyland Trail and to help remove financial barriers for families in need. Thank you to the many teams, sponsors, individuals and volunteers who helped make the event a success.
Associates Luncheon 2024
March 19, 2024
Co-Chairs:
Ruth Wellborn,
2024 Associates President
Juanita Markwalter,
2024 Associates Vice President
The 2024 Associates Spring Luncheon was held at the Piedmont Driving Club on Friday, March 15, 2024. More than 300 guests attended the 17th annual Associates Spring Luncheon event, which raised more than $150,000. Dr. C. Neill Epperson served as the keynote speaker for the event and discussed the intersection of female reproductive health over the life span and mental health. Dr. Epperson is a Professor and the Robert Freedman Endowed Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine-Anschutz Medical Campus, where she is also the Executive Director of the Helen E. and Arthur Johnson Depression Center. Dr. Epperson also is a member of the Skyland Trail National Advisory Board.
Beth C. Jones Pickleball Tournament 2024
January 20, 2024
Organizers:
Leslie Wierman
Deborah Bald
The Beth C. Jones Pickleball Tournament held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, raised more than $75,000. The tournament was created in memory of Beth C. Jones, an ardent supporter of mental health causes who understood the importance of advancing the mission of Skyland Trail in the Atlanta community through volunteering and philanthropy. Ms. Jones served 15 years on the Skyland Trail Board of Directors and 11 years as a Board Emeritus. Ms. Jones passed away in 2022. Funds from the pickleball tournament established a financial aid fund in honor of Ms. Jones. The event was organized by Leslie Wierman and Deborah Bald. Participants included Ms. Jones’s children and grandchildren, her family and friends, and many people in the community who wanted to honor her life and legacy. The compass draw tournament featured 32 teams of doubles match-play hosted at the Atlanta Pickleball Center. The winning team was Bridget and Brad Prybis.
Trailblazers Skyland Slam
Event Chairs
Christie Farmer
Elizabeth Waller
Skyland Trail hosted our first Trailblazers Skyland Slam event on October 1, 2024, at The Painted Pickle. More than 150 people gathered for the fun social featuring refreshing drinks, delicious bites, music, a silent auction, competitive pub games, and a friendly pickleball competition. Proceeds from the event - more than $70,000 - will be directed to help connect individuals and families to mental health treatment.
Benefits of Laughter 2023
October 19, 2023
Event Chairs:
Nan Easterlin and Anne Marino
Patron Chairs:
Lillian and Larry Connolly
Corporate Chair:
Mike Marino
On Thursday, October 19, 2023, Skyland Trail hosted its annual Benefits of Laughter. The event raised over $1.3 million to support the Mark C. West Financial Aid Program. Over 600 guests learned about the holistic approach to treatment at Skyland Trail and laughed along with the comedic entertainment.
Event Sponsors
