Aurora Mental Health Center’s 10th Annual Spring Luncheon

“Living Life to the Fullest” was this year’s theme for the Aurora Mental Health Center’s 10th Annual Luncheon attended by more than 300 guests, Friday May 2 at Aurora’s Red Lion Hotel. The event is held every May in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. The Aurora Mental Health Center, a nonprofit community mental health center, helps people cope with mental health issues – from depression, anxiety, and stress management to more severe illnesses. Funds from this year’s event benefit the Aurora Strong Resilience Center established by a consortium of concerned citizens and AuMHC as a refuge for those affected by trauma. Event Chair and AuMHC board member Rachel Nuñez with AuMHC staffers Cindy Bohl and Heather Dolan Jackson and Richard Hanson ensured a seamless signature event. Nuñez welcomed guests and introduced emcee Ed Greene of CBS4 who recognized the board of directors and generous donors before introducing AuMHC CEO/President Randy Stith, Phd. “Our mission was the vision of a tireless group of concerned citizens spearheaded by Ellin Mrachek in the late 60’s,” said Stith, “and was the cornerstone of Aurora Mental Health Center’s creation in 1975 and its commitment to serve our community.” After lunch guests were entertained by the Chicago’s traveling 6-member Second City Comedy troupe who performed their show “Happily Ever Laughter,” a mix of sketches and routines poking fun at current events, politics, and relationships. Among those attending were elected officials and honored guests including Colorado State Senator Suzanne Williams; Aurora City Council members Barbara Cleland, Molly Markert, and Brad Pierce; Aurora Fire Chief Mike Garcia; Aurora Public Schools Superintendent Rico Munn; Cherry Creek School Board of Education Member Dave Willman; Cherry Creek Schools Associate Superintendent Scott Siegfried; Arapahoe County Sheriff Dave Walcher; Don Mares, President and CEO of Mental Health America Colorado; Community College of Aurora Foundation Board Member Ruth Fountain; table sponsors Tim and Dawn Huffman and Howard and Sara Jarrett, and many other supporters. Special thanks went to presenting sponsor CityWide Banks which matched all donations this year. Gold sponsors include Suss Buick GMC and EON Office; Silver Sponsor, WAVE Audio Visual; and Bronze Sponsors: Arapahoe House, Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network, Asian Pacific Development Center, Aurora Mental Health Center’s Executive Team, Behavioral Health Care, Incorporated, Cherry Creek Schools, Highlands Behavioral Health System, IMA of Colorado, The Medical Center of Aurora – Behavioral Health Services, Metro Community Provider Network, Nelnet, Titan CM Solutions, Tolin Mechanical. Aurora Mental Health Center provides services in 17 specialty clinics located in eight counseling centers, six residential facilities, public schools, two county departments of human services, in homes and foster homes, and other Aurora locations. Since its founding in 1975 Aurora Mental Health Center has won many awards including three consecutive years as winner of the Alfred P. Sloan Award which recognizes employers that are successfully using workplace flexibility to meet both employer and employee goals. Today AuMHC provides outpatient, day treatment, and acute treatment via individual, family, and group counseling, education, wellness classes, specialized programs, and residential programs. For more information visit: www.aumhc.org