NAMI announces new program to support mental health

To coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, known locally as NAMI Northern Lakes, has announced a new fundraising program, NAMI Do-It-Your-Way.

According to a NAMI press release, the new program will promote awareness of mental health and raise funds to support its free education and support services to the community. 

In honor of May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI and advocates across the country are raising awareness of mental illness and supporting individuals in their mental health journey. Members of the public can join this movement by participating in this new program, the release states.

NAMI Do-It-Your-Way program encourages mental health supporters to turn what they love into a fundraising initiative for NAMI Northern Lakes, a local non-profit mental health organization.

Participants decide what they want to do — a birthday fundraiser, an athletic event or a hobby like baking, crafting, or knitting — and design their own fundraising campaign on behalf of NAMI. Popular campaigns include streaming/gaming fundraisers, memorial tributes to honor loved ones and events such as dinner parties, golf outings or fashion shows.

“NAMI Do-It-Your-Way offers our community a uniquely powerful chance to support people with mental health conditions and May is the perfect time to get behind this cause,” said Kristin Bonamo. 

“We believe the most authentic way to fundraise is to do it your way,” Bonamo continued. 

“This initiative provides an opportunity to do what you love for a cause you believe in — in this case, a shared vision of Mental Health for All.”

This empowering fundraising program is hosted by NAMI Northern Lakes simultaneously with NAMI National and 58 other NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates across the country, the release states.

To learn more or join NAMI Do-It-Your-Way, visit www.doityourway.nami.org. There is no registration fee, but fundraising is encouraged. 

One hundred percent of funds raised stay local, supporting NAMI Northern Lakes free mental health programs and resources.

NAMI Northern Lakes, located in Rhinelander, is part of the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.