Guests truly experienced “A Magical Evening” last Thursday at the Berkeley in Asbury Park as we celebrated our mission to promote mental wellness. The event featured our fabulous gift auction, stunning views of the ocean, as well as music by The Haven, a Jersey-Shore based rock band.

We were pleased to honor four very distinguished individuals, all of whom champion mental health in their personal and professional lives:

David M. Stout, Ph.D. is the President of Brookdale Community College. Through Dr. Stout’s vision and leadership, Brookdale has established itself as a “stigma-free” community and will be opening the Caroline Huber Holistic Wellness Center on campus this Fall. “Mental health is always something that has been very close to my heart. I grew up in a home where I was surrounded with individuals dealing with various types of mental health issues,” said Dr. Stout. “I’d like to thank the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County for the incredible work that you have done for many decades.”

Wendy Sefcik, Chair of New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council & MHA Board Member, has worked to educate herself on depression and suicide risk in the hopes of helping others following the loss of her son T.J. in 2010. “Losing a child is something I hope that no mother, no family would ever have to go through. And that is my goal – to never have another life lost to suicide.”

Joseph & Laurie Silvestri, owner/executives of Arkhitekton financial services in Freehold, are consistent and very generous supporters of MHA, with Joe serving as longtime Board Member and former Foundation Board President. “Twenty years ago, I was looking to give back,” reflected Joe. “Monmouth County has been really good to my family…and I had the opportunity to join a group in MHA. It has been amazing to watch how MHA has grown, the things that they do, the leadership that Wendy (DePedro) has provided in terms of the services and resources that the whole group has brought to the table. I want to thank you all for helping our community.”

In addition to these award presentations, the Gala raised over $20,000 specifically to support MHA’s Red Bank Resource Network (RBRN) through a lively Fund-a-Need paddle raise. RBRN is a free, bilingual community walk-in center that provides comprehensive health, housing, food, social, and financial resources in a culturally sensitive manner. In 2022, RBRN serviced approximately 1,500 clients and more recently completed a successful pilot for the Monmouth County Board of Social Services to offer social services in the community.