First year of annual family-friendly walk surpasses expectations with 350 participants and funds raised to support patients and students
This week, Sheppard Pratt Health System celebrates the success of its first Sheppard Pratt Stride, a fun-filled, family-friendly event held last Saturday, September 27, to raise awareness and funds to support the many Sheppard Pratt Health System programs that help patients and students, their families, and those affected by serious mental illness. The event hosted more than 350 participants, many of which were Sheppard Pratt employees and friends, and raised nearly $40,000.
“We are truly excited by the success of our first Sheppard Pratt Stride,” said Marguerite Kelley, director of philanthropy at Sheppard Pratt Health System. “The event brought together our community to fight mental health stigma in a one-mile walk on our beautiful Towson campus. The money raised will go to provide patients and students with essential needs and therapeutically beneficial activities that will help them to lead productive and meaningful lives.”
The Stride’s top fundraiser was Tracy Greenberg, a member of Sheppard Pratt Health System’s Consumer Council, who raised more than $4,000. A former Dallas attorney, she chose to move to Maryland, so that her son – Bryce – could receive better care. Bryce is a fifth grade student at The Frost School, which is part of Sheppard Pratt Health System.
In addition to moon bounces, face painting, balloon animals, and a fun pre-walk warm up routine, four Sheppard Pratt employees performed at the event as part of a talent show.
“The first Sheppard Pratt Stride united our employees, patients, and Sheppard Pratt supporters and reinforced support for mental health in Baltimore,” said Dr. Steven S. Sharfstein, president and chief executive officer of Sheppard Pratt Health System. “The event far surpassed our expectations, not only in raising awareness about mental health and our services, but also in raising funds to support our programs and help our patients and students heal and recover. This walk also provided the opportunity for people to visit our beautiful, historic campus, and our gatehouse, which is part of the National Historic Registry. It is with great eagerness that we look forward to hosting the Stride next year.”
Special thanks to Sodexo – the First Sheppard Pratt Stride’s presenting sponsor.
About Sheppard Pratt
Sheppard Pratt is the largest private, nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, developmental disability, special education, and social services in the country. A nationwide resource, Sheppard Pratt provides services across a comprehensive continuum of care, spanning both hospital- and community-based resources. Since its founding in 1853, Sheppard Pratt has been innovating the field through research, best practice implementation, and a focus on improving the quality of mental health care on a global level. Sheppard Pratt has been consistently recognized as a top national psychiatric hospital by U.S. News & World Report for more than 30 years.