Page 32 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2017

PEOPLE for a good cause
photos courtesy of Mental Health Association of South Mississippi
story by Lynn Lofton
The 10th anniversary celebration of Don’t Worry Be Happy, benefiting the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi, will be held July 21 at the Biloxi Civic Center beginning at 6 p.m. with a Mixology Contest. The main doors open at 7 p.m. There will be food tastings and silent and live auctions.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported mental health and wellness over the years,” says Kay Daneault, executive director of the Mental Health Association.
The Annette O’Keefe Humanitarian Award will be presented to Walter and Katherine Blessey, who have a long history of contributing to the community. They are immersed in the community, especially through Chateau Blessey in Biloxi. Walter served in the U.S. Army, attended the University of Mississippi School of Law and is a respected businessman.
Katherine credits those who guided her in childhood as a Ukrainian immigrant for her feelings of being drawn to help others.
“Why would your company want
to become a sponsor? Because untreated mental health conditions can dramatically impact the workplace, translating to decreased productivity,
Live Auction Honorees
poor decision making, absenteeism and other problems that impact the bottom line,” Daneault said. “We provide resources and support services for those seeking mental wellness and recovery; this includes mental health, intellectual disability disorder, substance abuse and homelessness issues.”
Each year the organization serves more than 3,900 meals, provides assistance
to 250 homeless individuals, houses 15 chronically homeless individuals and provides wellness information to several hundred people. Five Certified Peer Support Specialists work for the agency and have experience with mental health challenges.
228.864.6274 or 228.864.1310 www.msmentalhealth.org
Katherine & Walter Blessey
Jonathan Allen is President and Dealer Principal of Allen Toyota. He attended the University of Mississippi and Northwood University. Nicolle Allen is a business graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, a board member of the Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport and
a member of the Gulfport Quota Club.
Lara (Lada) Alley
holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Louisiana State University and is the mother of two children, Chris and Gia. She is a Spanish teacher at Our Lady of Fatima Elementary School.
Nicolle and Jonathan Allen
Lara (Lada) Alley
32 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2017
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