Photos by Stoo Metz @stoometzphoto
(Halifax, NS- March 7, 2020) — All eyes are on the outstanding total of $441,094 raised for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. The 17th annual A Different Stage of Mind featured performances from five acts made up of Nova Scotian community leaders.
Each group raised funds in the lead-up to the event through ticket sales, fundraisers, and corporate sponsorships, as well as donations leading up to and during the show. The Top Fundraising Award went to The Glorious Ladies with a whopping $137,160. Followed closely by People's Choice Award Winners, The Conter Crooners at $128,510. The Barenaked Ladies raised $76,725, and P!nk came in at $51,942. The First Responders funds totaled $41,094. At the end of the night, gross revenue for the event totaled $441,094.
"Our stars far exceeded what they set out to do thanks to the generosity and support of our growing community of donors," said Starr Cunningham, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO. "These funds will allow us to invest in even more programs and initiatives throughout our province for Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addiction, and their loved ones. We can't thank them enough for their commitment to improving mental health support for all Nova Scotians."
Hosted by Mayor Mike Savage, the visionary showcase of hidden talent drew a sold out crowd of more than 850 guests to the Halifax Convention Centre.
Guests were visibly moved by a special appearance from the Nova Scotia RCMP honour guard. Members joined The First Responders team onstage during their final song in a beautiful tribute to our human heroes .
The night wrapped up with the entire cast onstage belting out I Can See Clearly Now, with more than a few audience members joining in. It was a poignant moment of reflection on society's growth and understanding of mental health while looking ahead to even greater progress in the future.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is incredibly grateful for the support of presenting sponsor BMO Bank of Montreal. Special thanks to Branding Partner, Revolve; Event Partner, ZedEvents great productions; Video Partner, RPM Productions; Media Partner, CTV News Atlantic; A/V Partner, FMAV; and Print Partner, Advocate Printing and Publishing.
More information about A Different Stage of Mind can be found at mentalhealthns.ca/a-different-stage-of-mind
A Different Stage of Mind 2020 Cast
The Village People: The First Responders led by Hon. Dave Wilson featuring Insp. Dustine Rodier, Supt. Don MacLean, and 911 Dispatcher Lana Grant
The Barenaked Ladies: Paul Leblanc, Arrivals +Departures Founder & CEO, and Donair Supply
The Conter Crooners: Jenna, Adam & Howard Conter
P!nk: 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 Clark, Karen Spaulding, Michele Trider, Carolyn Wood)