What do three local eateries and Caesars have in common? A good cause.
Music for the Mind is teaming up with Boston Pizza, Chuck's Roadhouse, and Mike's Place to hold another fundraiser called 'Caesars for a Cause' on May 16, 2024 to help Family Service Kent, Kids Team Program, and Chatham-Kent Victim Services.
Organizer Elisha Banks told CK News Today it's a refreshing way to give back and celebrate National Caesar Day on May 16, 2024.
Banks said a dollar from each Caesar bought that day will be donated to the Music for the Mind fundraiser and in turn will help offset costs of counseling and psychological assessments, and supplies for people in crisis.
She said the goal is to raise $60,000 for Music for the Mind through three events this year with all of the money going to support child and adult mental health services in Chatham-Kent, adding there's still another $17,000 to be raised to reach that target.
"I know for a fact with the counseling piece, we've helped hundreds of people access counseling services between children and adults who otherwise would not have been able to afford to received the help they needed," said Banks.
Banks said it's heartwarming to see the difference the Music for the Mind fundraisers are having on people and it make all the work worthwhile.
"I've had the privilege of meeting a few people who have come to me and let me know they've received counseling because of the Music for the Mind funds and how without it they wouldn't have been able to and how much of a difference it made for them to actually receive that help," she said.
Banks said she has struggled with her own mental health since she was a teenager and knows first hand how important early intervention, counseling, and assessments are for those in need who sometimes can't afford them.
"There's a huge gap and there's a huge deficiency in those areas in terms of funding, government wise, for mental health resources. Counseling is super expensive, these assessments are super expensive and especially now, people are financially tapped," the mental health advocate said.
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month.
Banks is thanking the three local restaurants for being there to help Music for the Mind from the beginning.