(Halifax, NS- March 6, 2022) —The 19th annual A Different Stage of Mind presented by BMO Financial Group was an extraordinary success featuring performances from four acts made up of Nova Scotian business community leaders. In total, the group raised more than $205,000 for community-based mental health programs and services.
Each group raised funds through ticket sales, fundraisers, and corporate sponsorships, as well as donations leading up to the event. The Top Fundraising Award went to Tom Hickey (Eric Church) who raised $76,550 for his performance as Eric Church. Kevin & Scott Sacarry (The New Scotlanders) took home the coveted People's Choice Award raising $50,620. Morgan Manzer, Michael Cadegan, Lesley MacLean, and Will Babstock presented an original 2SLGBTQIA+ coming-of-age musical entitled Category Is… Mental Health Realness. The group raised $46,879 and visibly moved audience members with their poignant message of hope. Jacquelyn Miccolis raised $26,054 for mental health programs and services and though unable to perform, CTV’s Liz Rigney stepped in to become Katy Perry for the night.
"What Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction need more than anything right now is hope and the knowledge that support is there for them when they need it," said Starr Cunningham, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO. "Our stars have provided that through their heartfelt performances and fundraising efforts which will ensure the creation of even more mental health and addictions programs in communities throughout the province."
Last month the Foundation awarded $1.26 million to 58 community-based programs and 50 Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions Program initiatives through its bi-annual granting program. The funded projects eradicate stigma and provide hope to Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction, and their loved ones, including those who face insecure housing, poverty, racism and discrimination, violence, trauma, abuse, and social isolation.
Hosted by Mayor Mike Savage, the signature fundraiser returned to the Halifax Convention Centre after going virtual last year. A Different Stage of Mind 2020 was held two years ago to the day and was the last event held at the Convention Centre before the pandemic hit.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is incredibly grateful for the support of presenting sponsor BMO Bank of Montreal. Special thanks to Branding & Social Media Partner, Revolve; Event Partner, Zed Events; Video Partner, RPM Productions; Media Partner, CTV Atlantic; A/V Partner, Encore; and Print Partner, Advocate Printing and Publishing.
More information about A Different Stage of Mind can be found at mentalhealthns.ca/dsom
A Different Stage of Mind 2022 Cast
Katy Perry: Jacquelyn Miccolis, Sparkles n’ Sawdust (Fundraiser), Liz Rigney, CTV Atlantic (Performer)
Eric Church: Tom Hickey, Tom Hickey Investments Ltd.
The New Scotlanders: Kevin & Scott Saccary, New Scotland Group of Companies
Category Is… Mental Health Realness: Morgan Manzer, Legal Aid Nova Scotia; Will Babstock, Michael Cadegan & Lesley MacLean
Media inquiries:
Jill Chappell
Marketing & Communications Lead
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
Jill.Chappell@nshealth.ca
902-717-5981