A Grand Affair
Academy at Bradenton held its long-anticipated Grand Opening on Thursday, April 18, 2024, to a crowd of friends and supporters, old and new.
Hundreds of well-wishers came out to support the Grand Opening of Academy at Bradenton, an expansion of services from Academy at Glengary in Sarasota. The event was sponsored by Sunset Automotive Group and Audi Sarasota and was held under a tent on the beautiful grounds of our neighbors, First United Methodist Church of Bradenton. The crowd gathered to hear testimony from just some of those who helped get us to this monumental day. The 45-minute program was punctuated by the warmth, humor, and easy rapport of its two emcees, founding member Thaddeus Haddad and founding staff Vanessa Alcantara.
We heard from many who have traveled this road with us long before our inception, our Board of Directors’ President, Joan Geyer, strained against emotions as she recalled the origins of this passion project nearly three years ago, and acknowledged so many of our stalwart advocates. She has been a visionary for this expansion, and it was clear from her reaction that it was everything she had hoped it would be.
Our colleague, CEO of Centerstone of Florida, Melissa Larkin-Skinner was heartfelt as she spoke about the driving force behind everything we do: “Relationships.” Melissa walks the walk. She has been a true friend and partner of the Academy for the past seven years while leading Centerstone, the primary mental health clinical provider in Manatee County.
We heard from Alan Davidson, President and CEO of Central Florida Behavioral Health Network (CFBHN). As our primary public funding source for the Academy, Alan’s moving testimony revealed the humanity behind the business of Florida state funding. When he closed with “…if there is ever anything I can do to help,” those who know him knew he meant it.
Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard took to the podium carrying her newborn son, saying “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” Commissioner Ballard may be a newer friend to the Academy, but she is no less an advocate of what we do. As a champion of creating economic opportunity and relief to the most underserved of Manatee County, she articulated the value of our job training and employment programs, committing to helping us expand our reach.
A notable feather in our cap is our affiliation with Fountain House United, a coalition of seven nationwide network affiliates chosen for the quality of services and innovative programming. So, we were a little bit giddy when the Director of Network Services for Fountain House United, Alex Baldassare agreed to join us all the way from New York City. Alex spoke with such passion, rousing the crowd with inspiration to become solution-makers alongside of us.
There was one speaker who really stood out. His was the voice that this gathering of friends and community leaders really came to hear. Academy member Michael Silverman did what only a member can. He provided a firsthand testimonial of the power of our Academy community. Michael eloquently articulated the “why” of what we do. Sharing just some of the ways in which the Academy has improved his quality of life – stronger relationships, increased confidence, and the longest he’s ever gone without a mental health crisis just to name a few – he described the Academy as “one of the sanest places I know.” We couldn’t agree more, Michael.
The program was capped off by the reveal of our newly installed signage, followed by a big party inside our new Academy. Tray upon tray of extraordinary food – from lobster rolls and teriyaki chicken to vegan pastries and chocolate strawberries – created and presented by members and staff in partnership – were enjoyed by guests as they toured our building, mingled with members, staff and each other, and appreciated the impeccable musicianship of live jazz duo, The Jazzberries. It was a night to remember!
When the last guest had left the building and it was just us, we rolled up our sleeves, changed back into our sensible shoes, and got to work cleaning up. It’s what we do; work the vehicle that carries our relationships forward. We are at our very best when we are working side-by-side.
