2021 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 2021
October 21, 2021
Event Chairs:
Carrie Lanier and Christine Ragland
Patron Chairs:
Cindy & John Ferguson
Ned & Andrea Montag
Corporate Chair:
Jim Hannan
On Thursday, October 21, 2021, Skyland Trail hosted Benefits of Laughter, which raised more than $1.2 million for mental health treatment services at Skyland Trail. The $1.2 million, a record amount for the annual event, will support the Mark C. West Financial Aid Program that helps removes financial barriers to treatment for adults and teens struggling with psychiatric disorders. Benefits of Laughter was presented as a hybrid event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many supporters gathered at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead while others tuned in to a livestream of the event from home. Attendees heard a powerful testimonial from a recent Skyland Trail graduate about the impact of treatment on their mental health and enjoyed a comedic performance from the hilarious Fortune Feimster.
(Photography by Kim Link)
Associates Luncheon 2021
Co-Chairs:
Anne Marino,
2021 Associates President
Cat Lindauer,
2021 Associates Vice President
The 2020 Associates Spring Luncheon was held virtually and raised $82,933 for Skyland Trail. The event featured a video presentation led by Associates president Anne Marino. Kristen Lee, Ed.D., LICSW, the Lead Faculty for Behavioral Science at Northeastern University and award-winning clinician, educator, author, and activist, spoke to attendees in a pre-recorded message that discussed how we can build resilience in our lives to support improved mental health. Libba Shortridge, HTR, Horticultural Therapist at Skyland Trail, also led a hands-on activity creating handmade cards and stationery by pounding pansies. Many Associates hosted small viewing parties at their homes for the event while following CDC guidelines, including: Liz Blake, Vivian DuBose, Cindy Ferguson, Beth Finnerty, Mary Frances Garrett, Susan Hannan, Suci Jackson, Barbara Levy, Cat Lindauer, Kim McCollam, Beth Park, Karen Parker, Denise Rezek, Becky Riley, Tricia Rosenbaum, Katherine Strickland, Michelle Sullivan, Brooke Weinmann, and Leslie Wierman.
Introducing the Skyland Trailblazers
Trailblazers Leadership:
Kwynn Everest
Chair
Alison Blue
Vice Chair
Skyland Trail launch a new group in 2021 for emerging philanthropic community leaders called the Skyland Trailblazers. Trailblazers events to date in 2021 have raised $30,000, which will be directed toward financial aid for adolescent clients and families. Inaugural events in 2021 included a virtual informational session with Skyland Trail psychiatrist Adam Meadows, MD, in March; a happy hour and silent auction at Scofflaw Brewing in August; and a mother-child playdate at Oodazu in September. Trailblazers also welcomed 60 founding and new members and four sponsors. Learn more about Trailblazers in this Q&A with volunteer chairs Kwynn Everest and Alison Blue.
Virtual Benefits of Laughter 2020
October 22, 2020
Event Chairs:
Jenny and Bob Pruitt
Patron Chairs:
Betsy and Scott Akers, Jr.
Corporate Chair:
Tom Bell
On Thursday, October 22, 2020, Skyland Trail hosted the first virtual Benefits of Laughter, which raised more than $1 million to support essential therapeutic programs, family support services, and financial aid to help clients access and complete treatment.
While thanking supporters during the event, event chair Jenny Pruitt said, “Despite the circumstances this year, I am thrilled that we can still be together tonight sharing our passion for Skyland Trail. Your continued support gives Skyland Trail the necessary resources to help families in need now and in the future.”
Testimonials from graduates of the Skyland Trail adult and adolescent psychiatric treatment programs gave supporters a first-hand look at how charitable giving can impact the lives of clients and families in treatment. Tripp Crosby served as the master of ceremonies while comedians Mia Jackson and Andrew Stanley entertained the audience with stand-up comedy. Singer-songwriter Willa Amai also provided a musical performance.
Event Sponsors
DID YOU KNOW? more than 320 donors have contributed to Skyland Trail through events in 2021