By: Ryan Duey
Photos Courtesy of LightMHK
LightMHK, a Manhattan nonprofit organization focused on breaking down barriers to mental health care in the region, will host its inaugural ‘The Light Within-A Phantom’s Ball for Change’ on Saturday, January 31st at the KSU Alumni Center. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. for an exclusive VIP hour, followed by general admission at 6:00 p.m.
The evening will be filled with dinner, drinks, dancing, auctions, raffles, and more. Deanna Nitschke, Executive Director, said masks are encouraged.
“The theme is Phantom of the Opera, and it’s going to be a masquerade ball. It’s A black tie event.”
“We encourage masks to be worn at the event. We’re going to have a lot of fun.”
All proceeds help LightMHK support patient access to mental-health services, breaking the barriers of income, lack of insurance, and lack of transportation, while helping to break the stigma of mental healthcare. Nitschke said they provide support through grants.
“We provide different grants to mental health providers, professionals, and organizations in the region.”
“Probably the most popular grant right now is the Care Grant. That provides resources to assist patients who are experiencing barriers to mental health care.”
“Another one of the grants we have is called the Strategic Grant. Mental health providers can apply if they’re bringing maybe some innovative therapy to the community to help with mental health care.”
“The third grant we offer is the Awareness Grant. It’s meant to help promote mental health awareness in the community, helping to break the stigma of mental health care.”
As a newer organization, LightMHK has already provided over $125,000 in mental health resources to the community.
Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased on their website. Nitschke said VIP tickets are going fast, so don’t hesitate.
They are also still accepting sponsorship opportunities and raffle items for the evening. Visit lightmhk.com for more information.
