Community Leaders Set Their Sights on Increasing Mental Health Funding

Community leaders throughout Nova Scotia are joining forces with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia to bring into focus the importance of funding mental health.

In just five weeks, thirty-two leaders from the province’s private and public sectors will take the stage at the 17th annual A Different Stage of Mind fundraiser. Proudly presented by BMO Bank of Montreal, the signature fundraising event increases financial support to community initiatives throughout Nova Scotia while providing hope and eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.

A Different Stage of Mind is an entertaining evening of song featuring Nova Scotian community leaders performing in the roles of musical stars. The theme of this year’s event is 20/20 in 2020: A Vision for Mental Health celebrating how far we’ve come to lessen the stigma of mental illness and addiction with our sights set on improving access to mental health care for all Nova Scotians. The event takes place Friday, March 6, 8:00 p.m. at the Halifax Convention Centre.

This year’s show features five performances. Each group is committed to raising $50,000 for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia in the weeks leading up to the event through ticket sales, fundraisers, and corporate supporters. Stars will compete for the People’s Choice and Top Fundraising Awards.

"We have a dedicated cast committed to meeting its fundraising goals, and providing an outstanding night of entertainment," says Starr Cunningham, President & CEO. "Our line-up features a serial entrepreneur, real estate agents, a group of glorious ladies, one of Nova Scotia’s most prominent mental health families, and a powerhouse team of first responders."

Mayor Mike Savage will return as the much-loved host of the event. Guests will be treated to performances by:

The Barenaked Ladies: Paul Leblanc, Arrivals +Departures Founder & CEO

Pink: Melissa Berry & Josh Kogon, Royal LePage Atlantic

ABBA: The Glorious Ladies (Alisa Alyward, Alyssa Kelly, Alexa Bagnell, Sue Bachur, Clare Champoux, Tanya Cook, Krista Dempsey, Patricia Depalma, Cynthia Dorrington, Karen Gardiner, Laura Gibson, Susan Grant, Pooja Malini Gunaseelan, Kim MacDonald, Jean MacDougall, Dawn MacLachlan, Rebecca Jabbour, Sharon Resky, Wendy Ross Clarke, Karen Spaulding, Michele Trider, Carolyn Wood)

The Conter Crooners: Jenna, Adam & Howard Conter, TEMA Foundation

The Village People: The First Responders led by Hon. Dave Wilson featuring Insp. Dustine Rodier, Supt. Don MacLean, and 911 Dispatcher Lana Grant

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is grateful for the ongoing support of sponsors and partners including Presenting Sponsor BMO Bank of Montreal; Branding Partner, Revolve; Event Partner, ZedEvents; Media Partner, CTV Atlantic, Video Partner, RPM Productions, A/V Sponsor, FMAV; Décor Partner, Glow The Event Store, and Print Partner, Advocate Media.

To support a star and/or purchase tickets or tables, visit www.mentalhealthns.ca

BMO Bank of Montreal’s A Different Stage of Mind, hosted by Mayor Mike Savage
Friday, March 6th, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle St., Halifax
Individual ticket: $150.00
Table for 8: $1,200