Stronger Together

Despite gale-force challenges, Academy members shone at our recent Ambassador Luncheons.

At the Academy, one of our deeply held values is service to others. There may be no better example than our Ambassador Luncheons. This week, on the heels of our Academy at Bradenton standing-room-only luncheon, we hosted yet another event in Sarasota. These are key opportunities for us to shatter negative stereotypes regarding mental health. Our members shine, whether contributing to the preparation and service of the meal, being warm and consummate hosts to our guests, putting in long hours on the multimedia assets, or braving the stage to represent us and our mission. A phrase that we often use is show don’t tell, and our members continually demonstrate their limitless potential despite challenges.

The event planning itself was not without its challenges, with two major hurricanes within weeks of each other and the luncheons. We even thought briefly about rescheduling. But our members inspire us to dig a little deeper when it’s required. It was an opportunity to flex a few more of our values: flexibility, stamina, optimism, and perseverance. If members like Connie Mulligan and Joshua Posada (member testimonials), Brent Jephson and Aaron Williams (co-emcees) were willing to bravely share their personal stories on stage, we were determined to rise to meet them. Special thanks to our generous Academy at Glengary sponsor, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and congratulations to our Academy Award winner, Stewie Bitterman, for his role as Ambassador Extraordinaire. We are, and will always be, stronger together.