Dear Friend of MHACF:

Over the past 24 months an historic number of our neighbors have experienced traumatic loss due to the ravages of COVID-19. Loss of loved ones, jobs, housing and even loss of access to food have caused trauma and feelings of uncertainty as to what the future holds. With 367,358 Central Floridians in recovery from COVID-19, new research has found that nearly 1 person in 3 diagnosed with COVID-19 is also diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder like anxiety, depression or insomnia within three months. That’s 110,208 Central Floridians now trying to manage a mental health condition with 40% of them not having access to health insurance.

These are people who might pass right by you as you go about your day, unidentifiable as mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, children and families, all working hard to give their life meaning. These people are afraid to share their common secret. They are sick and weary, searching for hope and healing.

The Mental Health Association of Central Florida has been serving our community’s mental health for over 75 years and we have never seen anything like this. We are proud of the progress we’ve made over the years through the support of people like you, but we need your help now more than ever. We know you share in our belief that it’s unacceptable for our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and relatives to have nowhere to turn when they need resources to heal.

Please accept this as my personal invitation for you to join us on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, for our annual Legacy of Champions Luncheon. A noted community event for the past 11 years, this year’s luncheon will once again be hosted by Orlando Sentinel Columnist, Scott Maxwell, with a keynote by Susan Kelechi Watson, 2022 NAACP Image Award Nominee and 

Critics’ Choice Award Nominee as well as 2018 and 2019 Screen Actors Guild Award Winner for her role as Beth Pearson in acclaimed NBC drama “This is Us”. The Luncheon will also feature the presentation of the prestigious Candice Crawford Community Champion Award

 to Orange County Sheriff, John W. Mina and City of Orlando Chief of Police, 

Orlando Rolón and the Community Heroes Award to Orange County Mental Health and Homeless Issues, Division Manager, Donna Wyche.

Enclosed please find information on sponsorship and ticket opportunities to support the Legacy of Champions Luncheon, proceeds of which go directly to support our essential programs. You may also go to mhacf.org/legacy-of-champions-luncheon or contact 

Jennifer Helriggle, VP of Philanthropy, to answer any of your questions at 

(407) 898-0110, ext. 102 or by email at JHelriggle@mhacf.org.

On behalf of myself, our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and most of all, our patients, I thank you for your consideration and I hope to see you on May 25th!

With Warm Regards

Marni Stahlman

President/CEO

Mental Health Association of Central Florida