Dartmouth, NS – March 24th marked a sold out night of fundraising for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. The 14th annual BMO Bank of Montreal A Different Stage of Mind event featured performances from five “star” groups made up of Nova Scotia’s community leaders performing in the roles of musical stars.
Each group was committed to raising funds for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia through ticket sales, fundraisers and sponsorships, as well as live donations during and following the show. At the time of this release, gross revenue for the event was $274,640.
Hosted by Mayor (Sherriff) Mike Savage, the Nashville-themed show drew a sold out crowd of over 500 guests to the World Trade & Convention Centre in Halifax.
The final tally showed $109,016 raised by the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour (a team made of Dalhousie’s Richard Florizone, Catherine Bagnell Styles and Peter Fardy) positioning them as the Top Fundraising Award winner for the night. A friendly rivalry found the remaining groups in pursuit with $54,400 raised by Minnie Pearl (Gloria McCluskey) and the Country Divas (Lindsay Peach, Crystal Wentzell and Sherry Donovan) who raised $46,650. Joan Jessome channeled Dolly Parton to raise $40,788.
Dawn MacLachlan and Adam Fleiger of Team Pat kicked off the night with a performance in memory of Pat Fleiger. The act included a special guest appearance by ECMA nominee Makayla Lynn. In a surprise turn of events, Team Pat went home with the coveted People’s Choice Award, a recognition typically reserved for groups committed to large-gift fundraising, after fans chanted their name and stood to applaud the visibly moved mother-son duo.
Following the grand finale which saw performers return to the stage to join together in the final verse of The Judd’s Love Can Build a Bridge, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO Starr Dobson called on audience members to keep the conversation going long after the spotlights go out by continuing to donate to their favorite teams.
"The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is overwhelmed by this incredible outpouring of support. Our groups began this mission as stars and have ended it as friends. This event truly puts mental health at centre stage, raising much-needed awareness and funds,” said Dobson on Monday. “Funds raised will make a real difference to the more than 200,000 Nova Scotians who are living with mental illness, but there is still a lot of work to do.”
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia extends gratitude to all sponsors and supporters. Special thanks to presenting sponsor BMO Bank of Montreal; Event Sponsor, ZedEvents; Media Sponsor, CTV News Atlantic; Branding Sponsor, Revolve; Video Sponsor, RPM Productions; A/V Sponsor, FMAV; the team at the World Trade and Convention Centre, Stevie Dooks and Atlantic Digital Reproductions.
Information on how to make a donation and learn more about A Different Stage of Mind can be found online at www.mentalhealthns.ca/a-different-stage-of-mind.
About the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of Nova Scotians living with mental illness and their loved ones. The Foundation raises funds for vital programs and services that help make this possible, province-wide.
###
Media Contact:
Jennifer Lewandowski, Communications Lead
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
T: 902.464.3210
E: jennifer.lewandowski@nshealth.ca