Saturday, October 28, 6 p.m.
Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State Street, Bettendorf IA
A masquerade-themed fundraiser for the Vera French Foundation, the Unmasking Mental Health Gala will raise money and awareness at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center in an event boasting cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, live and silent auctions, and a presentation by guest speaker and acclaimed author Joan Becker.
A resident of Parkersburg, Iowa, Becker became an advocate and public speaker for individuals with mental illness with the publication of her 2005 book Sentences to Life: Mental Illness, Tragedy, & Transformation. Based on her experiences before and after her son Mark was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, the book follows the Becker family as they struggle to find help, face unspeakable tragedy, receive unexpected forgiveness, and deal with the aftermath of a child whose mental-health issues ended in both calamity and transformation. According to Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, “Joan Becker has a generous spirit and kind heart that come forward” in Sentences to Life. “The mental health system can and should be better, and this book inspires all of us to do everything we can to make it so.”
Designed to enhance the mental health of everyone in he community by providing quality, accessible, and comprehensive care, the Vera French Foundation serves over 10,000 adults and children each year through a variety of programs at numerous community locations, and provides additional outreach services in private homes, homeless shelters, nursing homes, and within the criminal justice system.
Black-tie attire is preferred yet optional for the Unmasking Mental Health Gala – with masquerade masks provided – and tickets to the October 28 event are $75-100. For more information and to register, call (563)888-6257 or visit VeraFrenchMHC.org.
