Newport Mental Health’s 11th annual “Rock the Beach” gala raised nearly $220,000 for behavioral health programs in Newport County during a Sept. 25 event at the Newport Beach House.
The fundraiser drew 250 guests for an evening featuring a live auction, paddle raise and entertainment by Purple Honey.
“What moved me most at this year’s Rock the Beach Gala was the overwhelming sense of connection in the room,” said Dayna Gladstein, president and CEO of Newport Mental Health. “We saw people standing together, openly acknowledging that mental health touches every life.”
Auctioneer Lucas Hunt led a competitive auction featuring trips to Europe and Mexico, followed by a paddle raise where guests made pledges of support.
Tyler Bernadyn, a member of the board of directors for both Newport Mental Health and presenting sponsor Lobby Muddy Fest, delivered remarks about his personal connection to the organization’s mission. He then invited attendees to stand if they knew someone who had experienced mental health challenges. Nearly every guest rose to their feet.
“What started as an idea to raise some money and spark some conversation around mental health has now grown into multiple annual events that allow us to donate to an organization that we care about deeply,” Bernadyn said about Lobby Muddy Fest. “Our small ripple in a big pond is now making waves, and we are happy to join everyone attending the gala in making a difference in this community, and in the lives of people we may know or never even meet.”
Lobby Muddy Fest presented a $30,000 check to Newport Mental Health during the event.
The evening included a message from a Newport Mental Health client about hope and recovery.
Additional sponsorship was provided by Jonathan and Leah Stearns, Aramli Foundation, Bazarsky Family Foundation, Joyce Kirby and Michael Greene, BankNewport, Brown Emergency Medicine, David and Jean Kelly, Lila Delman/Compass, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, Newport Hospital, The Hire, Thrive Pilates, Elizabeth and John Brooks, Sue and Peter Metzger, Farrar Associates and Fifth Ward Liquors.
Honored guests included Sens. Louis DiPalma, D-Middletown, and Linda Ujifusa, D-Portsmouth; state Reps. Lauren Carson, D-Newport, Terri Cortvriend, D-Portsmouth, and Chairman Marvin Abney, D-Newport; and Newport City Council member Xay Khamsyvoravong.
Newport Mental Health is a certified community behavioral health clinic providing mental health and substance use treatment in Newport County. Programs and services are offered for children and adults. Immediate access to care is available by calling 401-846-1213. More information is available at newportmentalhealth.org.
