The eRACEing the STIGMA event at Great Meadow

The Mental Health Association of Fauquier County would like to thank all the sponsors and people who attended eRACEing the STIGMA, a fundraiser held at Great Meadow in The Plains on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022. This event was held under the tent on the grounds of Great Meadow, and the evening was picture-perfect for the festivities.

Renee Norden, Executive Director, and Marshall Doeller, Board Member, spoke at the event and shared details about the successful efforts of the Mental Health Association. Additionally, Lily, a student from Kettle Run High School and an ambassador for Morgan’s Message, an organization that strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community, shared her experience from a Teen Mental Health First Aid class. “Now I’m confident in knowing I know how to keep everyone safe,” she said. “This course helped me feel confident in helping others. Understanding the steps to take to help someone in a mental health crisis can safe a life. That is a skill I believe that all teens and all people need to have.”

“Over 100 people joined us in support of our efforts. I’m so pleased to see the community come together to engage and discuss the importance of not only the work we do, but of mental health and substance use issues so many face every day,” Renee Norden shared.

This event also helped raise over $30,000 for the Mental Health Association of Fauquier County. The success of the evenings raffles and sponsorships will help the organization continue to improve mental wellness and substance use initiatives in both Fauquier and Rappahannock counties in 2023.