Join us for “A Magical Evening” on Thursday, October 12th at 5:30 p.m. at the Berkeley in Asbury Park to celebrate our mission to promote mental wellness. Guests will enjoy scrumptious food and drinks, our fabulous gift auction, as well as the stunning views of the ocean, all while mingling with colleagues, friends, and mutual supporters of mental health. 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, presented by Rice Wealth Management.

We are 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. To read Dr. Stout’s message on acceptance of this award, please click here.

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.

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.

In addition to these award presentations, the Gala will feature an opportunity for guests 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.