Join us for our “75th Anniversary Celebration” on Thursday, October 23rd at 6 p.m. at Rumson Country Club’s Riverhouse to celebrate MHA’s initial focus on education/advocacy and evolution into a leading service provider of mental wellness. Guests will enjoy scrumptious food and drinks, our fabulous gift auction, as well as the stunning views of this very exclusive venue while mingling with friends and mutual supporters of mental health.

Hosted by actor/comedian Siobhan Fallon-Hogan, the event will also feature music by The Haven, a Jersey-Shore based rock band that delivers a diverse blend of classic and contemporary rock favorites. Special thanks to our event co-chairs, Wilson McDermott and Anna-Bain Reynolds, along with their tremendous Committee (listed below) in planning all the facets of this spectacular evening!

We are thrilled to honor two exceptional champions of mental health – Lori Jarck and Christine Moore – both of whom have promoted mental wellness and suicide education within our Monmouth County community and beyond:

Lori Jarck, Board Member of the NJ Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSPNJ); Healing Conversations Coordinator for AFSPNJ; and Support Group Facilitator at Stephy’s Place, A Center for Grief & Loss in Red Bank.

“The impact of the loss of my 16-year-old son, Pierce, to suicide is what has strongly guided me toward my work in mental health advocacy, most specifically in suicide postvention and prevention,” reflects Lori. “As I slowly began to heal, now my hope is to help suicide loss survivors and to help people to understand that suicide is a disease, and that we, as individuals, can learn to take care of our brains and our mental health. It is possible to take care of ourselves and each other before we may hit a crisis point. If we all join in conversations, learning, programs, initiatives, and sharing information, I believe we can effect change to promote mental well-being and to help ourselves to live fully, kindly and with love.”

Christine Moore, community advocate and fundraiser who volunteers with the Society for Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS), Ridge Road Run (which raises funds for mental health education in area high schools), and Jeremy’s Heroes. Christine and her husband, 25-year residents of Fair Haven and the parents of 2 adult children, were recently featured in the documentary “Life after Loss – A Parent’s Perspective on Suicide Loss.”

“Mental health impacts every family, every age group, every background. It does not discriminate,” asserts Christine. “After losing Jack, I needed to be sure I helped make a difference. I am passionate about educating people and knew I could somehow put my energy into helping support the agencies that do the hard work.”

The evening will also feature a video by Margie Dooley about her experience in losing her son, Jay. An exceptional athlete and friend to many, Jay represents all those who appear to “have it all” while struggling beneath the surface. In sharing her story, Margie aims to highlight the importance and availability of resources – like MHA – that can help.