Guess who’s turning the big 5-0?
Starting in 2016, Sound Mental Health is celebrating its golden anniversary!
November 1966 represents a significant time in history, for many reasons. Gemini XII, the final spaceflight of NASA’s Gemini series, was launched. Actor Ronald Regan was elected Governor of California. The Beatles began recording their acclaimed album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Edward W. Brooke becomes the first African American popularly elected to the US Senate. And, in King County, Sound Mental Health was formed.
Founded in 1966 by a team led by Booth Gardner, Washington state Governor from 1985-1993, Sound Mental Health will celebrate its golden anniversary in 2016. Plans are presently underway to host a number of fun and inspiring events throughout the year to celebrate the anniversary, culminating in our annual gala, Mental Health Matters, May 12.
Celebratory community engagements will include movie screenings, open house events, special readings of SMH’s upcoming History Book, Social Media activities and other planned commitments.
Throughout its five decades, Sound Mental Health has had a distinguished history. The organization pioneered new and innovative practices that influenced regional behavioral health delivery. It preserved the continuity of care for hundreds by saving and assimilating faltering behavioral health agencies in the area. SMH mentored hundreds of the region’s future behavioral health leaders, who went on to influence the delivery of care in the community. Above all, Sound Mental Health brought hope and recovery to hundreds of thousands of individuals struggling with mental illness over five decades.
The Development Department, which will spearhead the festivities, is presently working with a special 50th Anniversary gala planning committee, headed by former Board President, Paula Janson. The group is working to engage SMH’s broad range of community and corporate support to help ensure an engaging celebration.
Much is still being done to make this 50th Anniversary something special, so stay tuned for future editions of our newsletter with more details.
