The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Western Massachusetts will be hosting its 25th Annual Walkathon Anniversary Celebration, “A Journey of Hope and Recovery” on Sunday, May 18 at Stanley Park’s Beveridge Pavilion Annex in Westfield, 400 Western Ave.
The walkathon begins at 11 a.m. with registration starting at 10 a.m.
The event is open to all ages and abilities. NAMI Executive Director Cathy Rogers explained, “It’s not a run, it’s a walk, and it’s through beautiful Stanley Park in Westfield so that the people are free to do our walk and then a lot of times they’ll come, they’ll hear our speakers, they’ll have some lunch and they will continue to walk around the rest of the park on their own.”
Besides the walkathon, other festivities will include guest speakers like Ms. US 2025 as well as face painting and raffles.
With the walkathon celebrating its 25th anniversary, Rogers said there will also be some specialty events in honor of the 25 years in the Western Massachusetts community.
NAMI will be honoring two people that have done a lot of work with the organization since day one. Rogers said the people will not be revealed until during the event.
The event will directly benefit NAMI Western Massachusetts’ continuing efforts to help improve the lives of all those affected by mental health conditions and their families.
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental health conditions can Build Better Lives.
The Western Massachusetts branch is in Holyoke at 1221 Main St., Suite 100.
Rogers said they cover all Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. After doing some research, she noticed a few national mental health organizations are facing cuts meaning her organization may be getting some more calls.
She explained, “Since [COVID-19] we needed to support more in the community, and now with all of these budget cuts, I believe that we’re going to have more people calling us.”
All the programs at NAMI of Western Massachusetts are free including connection support groups, family and friend support groups, family to family and peer to peer classes.
They also have different educational events throughout the year and Rogers talked about how the walkathon fundraiser helps with NAMI’s overall mission.
“It’s great because it helps us throughout the year to continue our programs. We don’t get funding from any government or any other agency from that matter. All of our funding is just from donations,” she said.
For further information, readers can contact NAMI’s office at 413-786-9139 or visit its website at namiwm.org/walkathon for the entry/pledge form.
Readers can also register for the walkathon on the website under the “Events” tab.
Rogers said since they try to have as many peers come to the event, “we don’t ask that they necessarily pledge but we do ask for $5 for our T-shirts.”
Volunteers are also needed as well as businesses looking to sponsor the event.
“Please help NAMI Western Massachusetts continue their mission by participating in this Walkathon or by donating to the event easily on our website,” Rogers concluded.
