Optimae to host NAMI silent auction fundraiser Thursday

Optimae LifeServices staff and clients are supporters of the National Alliance of Mental Illness and the services it provides to people and families struggling with mental illness. In allegiance with the annual state NAMI Walk, Optimae will host its first Jasper County NAMI Silent Auction fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at its offices, 1730 First Ave. E. in Newton.

There will be numerous items and gift baskets available to buy and bid on at the silent auction including many handmade crafts, a movie night basket, a coffee and chocolate basket, food gift baskets, a family game night basket, a Circle of Friends figurine baskets and Premier jewelry baskets. Hot dogs and potato chips will also be served as well.

Those who win bids do not need to be present to receive and will be notified following the event. All money raised at the silent auction will go to the central Iowa NAMI on behalf Jasper County.

NAMI is a mental health organization that educates both health care providers and families or individuals on mental illness to get the support and information they need; it advocates for national public policy; they provide a HelpLine and on a local level they help place people in need with the appropriate services.

Last year, Optimae raised more than $800 for NAMI on behalf of Jasper County. This year the goal is $1,000, Optimae team lead and silent auction organizer James Jensen said.

Jensen and colleagues Becky Van Baale, Pauline Hesson and Ashley Marshall are organizing the silent auction fundraiser to help support NAMI and the clients they know that are affected. The biggest reason they work with NAMI and participate in the annual walk each year is to promote education and help eliminate the stigma.

“Mental illness is prevalent in Jasper County,” Jensen said. “There’s also a lot of stigma attached to it and that’s the biggest thing that NAMI does. They put a lot of education out there to let people know they aren’t the only ones dealing with this, there are others, and that it’s OK to ask for help.”

There will also be a Jasper County NAMI Walk open to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday at Agnes Patterson Park, 3000 N. Fourth Ave. E. in Newton.

Jim Kool participated in the NAMI Walk last fall and thinks people should come to the silent auction event Thursday to help support and raise money for the NAMI Walk, he said. “I want to help people with disabilities.” Kool said.

After the walk around the park, walkers and friends will host a chili and soup lunch open to the public at Optimae. This luncheon is freewill donation and all money raised will go to NAMI on behalf of Jasper County.

Mental illness affects many. It includes numerous disorders that affect behavior and personality such as depression, anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Just because you can not see it doesn’t mean its not there, organizers said.

“The money is used for education and support to families who have loved ones with mental illness. Our Jasper County affiliate sponsored Mental Health 1st Aid to service providers, teachers and law enforcement. The monthly NAMI Jasper County meetings is a time when families can support each other regarding the day-to-day challenges of having a family member who struggle with mental illness. The money raised with this walk has a significant impact on many,” Optimae Lifeservices Director Connie Wright said.

Contact Kate Malott at 61-792-3121 ext. 6533 or kmalott@newtondailynews.com