HelpNAMI-NYC Will Host Mental Health Street Fest and Walk at Seaport
Hosted by Stacey Griffith, SoulCycle Founding Senior Master Instructor,
Love & Sports Co-Founder, and Best-Selling Author
Featuring Live Mural Painting from Award Winning Artist Jason Naylor and You Are Not Alone Mural Artists
Saturday, May 20, 10 AM-2 PM
The Seaport, Pier 16, Manhattan
New York, NY, May 4, 2023—The National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC) will host its Mental Health Street Fest and 17th Annual NAMIWalks NYC event on Saturday, May 20 at the Seaport.
“We are so grateful to have our host Stacey Griffith break the stigma around mental illness and connect New Yorkers to free programs and community,” shared NAMI-NYC CEO Matt Kudish.
The event celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month and NAMI-NYC providing peer-led mental health programs for the community for over 40 years. The 17th annual Walk held at Pier 16 – the Seaport (10 AM ET to 2 PM ET) is a local day of awareness and community to fight stigma, end discrimination, and support #MentalHealthForAll. Council Member and mental health advocate Erik Bottcher is scheduled to speak during the program. Last year, NAMI-NYC was the first affiliate nationally to raise a record $1 million for its free mental health programs. This event garners more than 5,500 participants.
On Saturday, May 20, you’ll not only be able to Walk, but enjoy various fitness activities thanks to our partners. Pop into the Tin Building at 10 AM to warm up with a yoga class—and treat yourself to some coffee or breakfast. Selected purchases made at the Tin Building during the entire month of May will be donated to NAMI-NYC. At our Mental Health Street Fest, check out a barre class with The Bar Method.
The event will also feature live mural paintings of inspirational messages of hope and healing, led by award-winning artist Jason Naylor and the You Are Not Alone Mural artists. Participants will have an opportunity to write a caring message to a family member or friend on a You Are Not Alone postcard. Street Painter Erik Greenawalt, known as The Chalking Dad, will be sharing a surprise piece for selfies on Walk Day.
As part of this fundraising campaign, NAMI-NYC aims to raise more than $1 million for its free mental health programs, including classes, almost 40 support groups, family mentoring program, Helpline in 180 languages, educational presentations, and much more. NAMI-NYC is the only direct provider of family support services for people caring for a loved one with mental illness.
We are grateful for the support of our lead sponsors: Aetna, Alkermes, Asics, FOX, Publicis Health, and Publicis Groupe. “The Walk is an incredible team building opportunity for companies of any size,” shared Kate Steele, NAMI-NYC Director of Development. “Donate, form a team, or sponsor an activation. We can’t wait to see you on Walk Day!” To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kate at ksteele@naminyc.org.
To walk, start a team, or donate, visit www.namiwalksnyc.org. To learn more about NAMI-NYC Mental Health Awareness Month activities, please visit www.naminyc.org/may.
About NAMI-NYC:
For over 40 years, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City has offered life-changing support, education, and advocacy to families and individuals affected by mental illness. NAMI-NYC’s services are free of charge and accessible to anyone who needs them. Learn more at www.naminyc.org.
NAMI-NYC on Social Media:
Twitter: @NAMINYCMetro | Instagram: @NAMINYC_Metro | Facebook: @NAMINYCMetro | Hashtag: #NAMIWalksNYC #MentalHealthForAll
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