(ABC 6 News) – Saturday morning, the community in Rochester had the opportunity to walk for a good cause, as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) held an event.
The non-profit’s goal is to raise money for mental health resources and awareness for suicide prevention.
The event saw upwards of 350 people in attendance. There were many things for the community to enjoy besides the 1.8 mile walk, including balloon-making and a bouncy obstacle course for the kids.
Many say events like these are extremely important to have and attend.
“Mental health has been something that in the past has been significantly overlooed,” said Amanda Block, one of the people in attendance at the event. “It’s wonderful that we’re beating the stigma of it and events like this really help draw attention and help make sure that people can be aware of what’s going on and that they don’t have to suffer in silence. There is help out there for people who want it.”
Organizers say their goal was to raise $70,000, however they had already surpassed that goal before the event began. While the event was winding down, they said they are upwards of $85,000 and still climbing.
“NAMI is here for everyone. No one has to walk on their mental health journey alone,” said Colleen Lamon, the 2022 NAMI walks manager. “We put people together with the same type of illnesses and they walk their journeys together.”
