The Mental Health Association of Morris County (MHAMC) held its 14^th Annual Food for Thought Celebration on Mon., Nov. 14, at the Birchwood Manor, in Whippany. In keeping with the event’s theme, “Celebrating the Angels Among Us,” Former World Heavyweight Title Contender, Gerry Cooney, shared his personal story, and attended the VIP Networking Reception for a Q&A session and photos.

“People with mental illness are fighting for their lives.  Thanks for your support, together we can help save lives,” Cooney said.

“This year’s event was especially important,” said MHAMC President and CEO Lou Schwarcz. “With the upcoming changes to state funding for mental health, it is imperative that we join together to ensure that each person struggling with mental illness gets the services they desperately need. No one deserves to suffer alone with mental illness. Thanks to those who joined us for this gathering of people bound by their shared passion for making an impact on the lives of those living with challenging mental illnesses, and their families, through the Mental Health Association of Morris County and its mission.”

Morris County Administrator John Bonanni was honored with the MHAMC Community Leadership Award for his years of tireless advocacy on behalf of the Morris County Human Services Community. The late Terri Belske, MHAMC Board Member, was remembered with a posthumous MHAMC Lifetime Achievement Award for Consumer Advocacy.

The evening began with a VIP Business Networking Reception followed by the Premier Tasting Event from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

All funds raised at Food for Thought go to support MHAMC’s integrated programs and services that help Morris County residents with severe and persistent mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, their families, and the community. These vital programs support people to live “well” outside of psychiatric hospitals with daily visits, homeless outreach to transition people from the streets to housing and work, and programs that support wellness.

Founded in 1953, the MHAMC is a 501-C (3) non-profit organization that works to promote mental health and to support and empower people in recovery from mental illness through effective services, education, and advocacy.