A personal experience led to one of Ottawa's largest fundraisers to start a conversation to destigmatize mental health in our community.
Amy Caruso founded the Ottawa Mental Health Gala (MHG) in 2017 as a way to address her own mental health issues. Since then, Caruso has seen a change in how mental health is talked about in schools and workplaces.
“In 2014, I was dealing with my own mental health struggles after going through a huge life change, but it really started in 2017 with Bell Let's Talk. Day, we started seeing people posting online and sharing their stories,” Caruso told CTV. Thursday is Rosie Ede on Morning Live.
“It may sound cliché, but it was the first time I felt like I wasn't alone. And that's when I decided I wanted to help people. I started doing charity work and giving back to society. We put love into event planning and the Mental Health Gala was born.”
She points out that from 2017 to 2022, MHG raised more than $130,000 for The Royal and Do it for Daron.
After taking a year off to give birth to her daughter, Caruso returned to work in 2023 to raise funds for CHEO Mental Health Services.
She said funds raised at this year's gala will also be donated to CHEO Mental Health Services because of the vital role the services provided in the state play.
“After raising $45,000 last year, we will be donating again this year to CHEO Mental Health Services. They are one of the largest mental health providers in Ontario and their amount has increased year on year since the pandemic. Mental Health Patients For,” she added.
The gala will be held on May 24th at Sala San Marco, 215 Preston Street. Although all 500 seats have been sold out, Caruso the Silent Auction is still soliciting donations and accepting items, experiences, gift certificates and more from businesses.
The silent auction is open to everyone starting May 18th. To register, visit the gala website.
