Mental Health Association “EPIC Awards”

Mental Health Association Celebrates EPIC 2014 Luncheon

The 19th Annual EPIC Awards Luncheon, took place this year on Wednesday, May 14th at the Signature Grand, it is the premier fundraising event for the Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida (MHA). MHA Board Members Yasmine Holbrook and Gary Dirda were the Co-Chairs.

“EPIC is an acronym for Exceptional People Impacting the Community and this year’s honorees personify the essence of the award,” said Paul Jaquith, President and CEO of MHA. “What these very diverse and dedicated individuals have in common is their commitment to the public good, their efforts to improve the lives of citizens of our communities, and their advocacy for persons with mental illness.”

Jen Klaassens, Vice President of Programs for The Wasie Foundation, was the first recipient of the Hal Booth Memorial Award for Philanthropy. Other honorees included: Dr. Timothy Ludwig, from the Broward Sheriff’s Office; Gwen Henry, GEO Care; Lauren Zuchman, Henderson Behavioral Health; Lysandra Russell & Marcia Barry-Smith, Russell Life Skills and Reading Foundation’s Dragonfly Darlings; Sandra McQueen-Baker, Fresh Start of Miami-Dade, Inc; and Yueh-Mei Kim Nutter with Brinkley Morgan Law Firm.

“We were especially fortunate to have Michael Mayo, longtime columnist at the Sun-Sentinel, as the Master of Ceremonies,” said Dr. Adam Rosenberg, Chairman of MHA’s Board of Directors. “Through his columns in the Sun-Sentinel and his blog, Michael Mayo has been a tireless advocate for mental health issues.” Mr. Mayo has been with the Sun-Sentinel for 25 years and has served as Metro News Columnist since 2002.

A special new project of MHA’s 9Muses Art Center is painted rocking chairs! “We created a really neat concept and everyone has embraced it whole heartedly,” said Chris Yoculan, Director of 9Muses. “We created Hand Painted Rocking Chairs that were on display at EPIC.” Plans call for the chairs to be sold to the public as well as organizations throughout Broward. “Rocking chairs are a comforting way for people to relax and be at peace,” Yoculan added.

“Since its inception in 1996, over 150 individuals have received an EPIC award for their efforts to benefit the health and wellbeing of our community,” Jaquith added. Neither fame nor celebrity compels the award. Past Honorees include elected officials, professionals in a wide range of endeavors, persons receiving services and advocates for the cause. Nominations for EPIC are generated from the community by providers, professionals, advocates and persons served.

The Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida recently celebrated its 56th year serving the community. It is located at 7145 West Oakland Park Boulevard in Lauderhill, Florida.