The SMA Healthcare Foundation (the Foundation) is pleased to announce that over $100,000 was raised for much needed renovations at SMA’s Chet Bell Crisis Center.
The Foundation hosted its annual dinner celebration and auction on Wednesday, July 3rd, featuring Jeff Burton, NASCAR on NBC Analyst and former NASCAR driver. The event was attended by nearly 400 community members, who came out to support SMA and what they do in our community. With sponsorships totaling $85,000, including the title sponsorship by Brown & Brown Insurance, individual seats and donations, and a live auction bringing in $15,700, this annual fundraising event raised a net of over $100,000 for the Chet Bell Crisis Center (CBCC).
In addition to the funds for the CBCC, the event raised nearly $17,000 for the new Larry and Joan Kelly Scholarship Fund.
“The CBCC serves individuals in need of safety, comfort and care when they are experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency. These are our neighbors, friends, co-workers and family members” states Carl Lentz, IV, the SMA Healthcare Foundation’s Chairman of the Board, “The Foundation is proud to be able to assist in renovations that will help create an environment where SMA can care for these individuals in the best way possible.”
Built in the 1990’s, the CBCC is in dire need of improvements to overcome the institutional, cold and unwelcoming atmosphere. The funds raised will go toward renovations that will transform the site into a modern healthcare facility.
“Despite serving thousands of individuals at SMA last year, they had to turn away over 1,200 people from the CBCC” shared Jennifer Secor, CFRE, Executive Director of the SMA Healthcare Foundation. “Thanks to the support of our donors and supporters, the facility will also be able to increase the numbers they can serve each year.”