FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
John Aquino (954) 298-0747
MENTAL
HEALTH ADVOCATES AND SUPPORTERS OF
HENDERSON MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
TO BE HONORED
Fort Lauderdale – As a gardener
in Tennessee,
Jack Kuhn never imagined he would ever work
in mental health, but in 1989 he moved to Florida
and took a job as a horticultural therapist
with the South Florida
State
Hospital.
Now, 17 years later, Kuhn, along with philanthropist
Mary Porter, will be honored by Henderson
Mental
Health
Center
at its 11th Annual Profiles of Excellence
Gala. The event will take place Saturday, March
25 at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66.
“I knew from the start that I had found
a new career,” said Kuhn. “I fell in love with
the people I was working with from the get go.”
Kuhn continued working in mental health,
eventually taking a position with Henderson
and its PATH Project (Positive Alternatives
to Hospitalization), which focuses on home-based
support as an alternative to hospitalization
for mental illness.
“We had a lot of latitude to be creative,”
said Kuhn. “No matter how unusual the plan,
they said ‘if it works go ahead.’ I got a lot
of satisfaction out of that because it was up
to me to come up with unusual alternatives for
the patients, and I enjoy helping people.”
Kuhn spent 5 years at Henderson and attributes his tenure there to
their philosophy.
“Since his days serving clients, Jack has
continued to focus his energies on finding creative
ways to help people, and we’re thrilled to be
able to honor him for his continued dedication
to our mission,” said Dr. Steve Ronik, Henderson
Mental Health Center CEO.
Kuhn remains involved with the agency as
a member of its Board of Directors and a major
donor.
Porter, recently named the Philanthropist
of the Year by the Association of Fundraising
Professionals, has been a strong supporter of
Henderson
over the years.
The daughter of a prominent physician, Porter
was raised with the idea that giving back to
the community was important, and she has never
forgotten that lesson. In the 15 years she has
lived in Broward County she has engrained herself
into the community through charitable giving
with Henderson high on her list.
“It gives me a good feeling inside to help
a great organization like Henderson,” said Porter.
“They do good work that is very important to
our community and they’re always there for those
who need their help.”
Porter’s caring spirit has touched the lives
of thousands across the county and she hopes
to inspire others through her generous support.
“More people need to get involved and I
hope others will follow my example,” said Porter.
“I'm honored to be recognized by Henderson this
year and hope it will help to educate everyone
about the important causes such as mental health
in the community.”
“Porter’s legacy of giving will continue
to impact the community for years to come,”
said Ronik, “and we’re delighted that she is
dedicated to Henderson and continues to educate
others on our mission.”
The 11th Annual Gala is co-chaired
by Lorraine Thomas and Diáne Johnson. Tickets
are $150 per person and sponsorships are still
available. For more information or to make reservations,
contact Karen Drumheller, Henderson’s Director
of Development, at (954) 777-1624.
Henderson Mental Health Center is the oldest and largest not-for profit,
behavioral healthcare system in South Florida.
Since 1953, the organization has provided a
variety of services to the community, including
crisis outreach, residential living, employment
assistance, outpatient treatment and rehabilitation,
youth and family programs. For more information
or assistance, call (954) 463-0911 or log onto
www.hendersonmhc.org
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