NAMI Collier to host Dec. 1 luncheon featuring Oscar-nominated actress Mariel Hemingway

NAPLES, Fla. - Oct. 10, 2023 - PRLog -- Oscar-nominated actress Mariel Hemingway will deliver the keynote address of hope and inspiration at NAMI Collier's Hope Shines Luncheon on Dec. 1 in Naples.

The granddaughter of Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning novelist Ernest "Papa" Hemingway has a family legacy of mental illness, including seven suicides, rampant alcoholism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression. She has written six books, including "Out Came the Sun: Overcoming the Legacy of Mental Illness, Addiction and Suicide in my Family" and "Invisible Girl," written for young adults about the same subject but from her 14-year-old self's perspective.

Her documentary "Running From Crazy" followed Hemingway as she tried to better understand her family's history of suicide and mental illness. The actress also suffered and overcame depression.

"Her own and her exploration of her family's struggle with mental illness has led her to be an advocate working to reduce the stigma," said NAMI Collier CEO Beth Hatch. "She speaks about mental illness around the country and encourages others to discuss mental wellness in their own families. The luncheon is also an opportunity to celebrate NAMI's mission, new location, program and team expansions and the growing numbers and ways that NAMI is serving the community daily."

The 2023 Hope Shines Luncheon will be the 15^th hosted by NAMI Collier. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 1 in the ballroom at Arthrex One, 1 Arthrex Way in Naples. Individual tickets are $325 per person and available at NAMIcollier.org or by calling 239-260-7300.

Sponsorship opportunities include Presenting Sponsor for $25,000; Hope Sponsor for $10,000, Shine Sponsor for $5,500, Resiliency Sponsor for $2,500 and Advocacy Sponsor for $1,000. Additional sponsorships for video, food and beverage, audio/visual, program, décor, photo booth, flowers, valet and invitations are also available. A VIP meet-and-greet with Hemingway includes a copy of her book and book signing opportunity.

Event proceeds will support NAMI's Health Under Guided Systems (HUGS) program, which screens, assesses and/or educates children ages 2 months to 18 years old experiencing developmental, social, emotional or behavioral difficulties, serving more than 400 local families. The event also will help support the Sarah Ann Life Skills & Support Center, which includes structured activities and occupational training, Supportive Housing and Supported Employment, the Warm Line and other mental wellness programs offered free to the community.

ABOUT NAMI Collier

NAMI Collier provides free mental health support, advocacy, and education that inspires resilience and strengthens communities. NAMI Collier envisions a community where those living with mental health conditions can live healthy fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares.

For additional information about NAMI Collier, please visit namicollier.org. (https://www.namicollier.org/)