For the past nine years, Lakeview Health Foundation has led a fundraiser to give back to its community and clients. The Lakeview Health Foundation Gala is a night of fine dining and entertainment, but it also serves to raise awareness of important topics. This year, the gala will focus its efforts on mental health issues.
Lakeview Health Foundation executive director Paul Erickson believes it is the right time to highlight these issues. “We recognize the increased need and demand for these services in the Valley. It’s time to commit to this problem and do more than we’ve been doing already,” Erickson says.
The gala will include speakers such as the CEO of Lakeview Health Ted Wegleitner, and president of Stillwater Medical Group Andy Dorwart. A video also shows the story of a patient at Lakeview who is recovering from mental ill-health.
Lakeview is partnering with the Make It OK campaign to reduce the stigma for mental illnesses. “If people don’t talk about it, they don’t seek the help they need. We want the message to get out there and help provide resources to help,” Erickson says.
The night will include food by Lake Elmo Inn, entertainment from The Riverside Hitmen, and live and silent auctions. Items in the auctions include vacations, sporting events, boat rides on the St. Croix River, hotel stays and chef dinners. Proceeds will fund staff training for crisis intervention in emergency rooms for mental health cases and community training with Make It OK.
The Lakeview Foundation Gala is from 6 to 10 p.m. November 11. Cocktail attire encouraged; tickets cost $100. Call 651.430.8732 for tickets or register online; some sponsorships are available.
