There are hundreds of thousands of reasons to celebrate following the 16th annual BMO Bank of Montreal A Different Stage of Mind. The event featured four star performances by community leaders and volunteers in a energetic show of support to Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction. Hosted by Mayor Mike Savage, the Variety Show drew a crowd of nearly 500 guests to the Halifax Convention Centre.
Official fundraisers committed to raising $50,000 for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia through ticket sales and sponsorships, as well as live donations during and following the show. At the time of this release, revenue for the event was $200,000.
The final tally showed $75,200 raised by Sonny & Cher (Cyril Lunney and Catherine Campbell) with an added boost from team member Phyllis Diller (Diane Campbell) which secured their award for Top Fundraiser. Next in line were Lady Gaga (Maggie MacGillivray) and Bradley Cooper (Jon Cyr) who raised $67,500. Songstress Sarah Ellen Morrison pulled in $55,800, and The Lunch Bunch community choir sang strictly for the fun of it!
Sonny and Cher kicked off the night with a stage show that got everyone grooving including a surprise cameo by Phyllis Diller. Following the opening act, was the sultry sound of Sarah Ellen Morrison, a promising local musician. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper wowed the audience with their moving performance taking home the coveted People's Choice Award. And the Lunch Bunch rounded out the evening with their radiant positivity. As the night drew to a close, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO Starr Cunningham encouraged guests to get loud about mental illness and addiction.
“There is a real charge in the air here tonight – an energy of change and care,” said Cunningham. “Let’s be sure to hold onto it and use it to inspire more voices to join us in changing the way people think!”
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia would like to thank all of this year’s sponsors and supporters. Our heartfelt gratitude to presenting sponsor BMO Bank of Montreal; Event Partner, ZedEvents; Media Partner, CTV News Atlantic; Branding Partner, Revolve; Video Partner, RPM Productions; A/V Partner, FMAV; Decor Partner, Glow The Event Store; Printing Partner, Atlantic Digital Reproductions, Mayor Mike Savage, Adam Conter, the team at the Halifax Convention Centre, Garry Williams, Stoo Metz, Elle Munster Makeup Artistry, Hair Design Centre, and our dedicated volunteers.
Those unable to attend can still take part by making a donation at mentalhealthns.ca/a-different-stage-of-mind.