On Sept. 21,2024, NAMI Oak Ridge along with Knoxville and Maryville, participated in the annual NAMI Walk which was held at Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville. It was a beautiful if very hot day.  The purpose of the walks is to raise awareness of mental illness and to raise funds so that NAMI can continue to offer its many free programs.  These walks are held throughout the nation.

 

Our affiliate was represented at the walk by Seema Sharma, Rhonda Sternfels, Renata Hass and Toni Stephenson all members of our Steering Committee. Providing much needed help were Leonard Vaughn, brothers Issac, Nathaniel and Aaron Thacker as well as Andrea Johnson. Kathy Martin made a surprise visit to say “hello.”

 

Oak Ridge United in Hope team was in second place for fund- raising only slightly behind the first placed team.  Toni Stephenson was the individual who raised the most funds for the walk.

We talked to a lot of individuals, gave away books and pamphlets and made new valuable contacts. Toni was interviewed by a student from South College who has invited us to make a presentation at his class. Leonard was interviewed by WVLT for a brief TV news broadcast.

 

It was a very successful event for our affiliate and we appreciate all our friends and families who contributed.

​

See you next May for NAMIWalks 2025.