Elevation House hosts 2nd annual Taste of Rome; raises funds for mental health
Local nonprofit Elevation House kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month when they hosted the second annual Taste of Rome on May 7. Roughly 250 attendees gathered at the Courtyard by Marriott Rome Riverwalk overlooking the Oostanaula River for a warm spring evening filled with some of the finest food and beverage establishments in Rome, four fantastic raffle prizes totaling a value of $1,000, and live entertainment by Kevin Allen Music Production.
The tasting event raised $26,642 to help fuel Elevation House’s mission to end social and economic isolation for adults living with a mental health condition.
“This funding is absolutely essential for Elevation House to continue to offer a supportive, recovery-focused community to those living with mental illness,” said Elevation House Executive Director Erin deMesquita. “Not only does this fundraiser sustain our programming that spans both virtual and in-person opportunities for community and support, but it propels the mission forward in ways that allow us to ask ‘how can we make a larger impact?’”
Attendees had 19 culinary options to “taste,” as well as wine tasting by Newby Farm and Vineyard, and beer tasting by River Remedy Brewing Co. Beautiful bouquets of stunning spring blooms accented the arms of attendees by way of the Stem Bar by Roots and Willow Floral Design Studio. Fun photo ops, props and poses at the social photo booth by Blooming Oak Photography brought a little pizazz and a whole lot of energy to the event.
This year, the award for “Best Taste,” was split into Sweet and Savory categories. Her Sweets Bakery claimed the win for the Sweet category, while Rock N’ Roll Sushi took home the award for the Savory category.
deMesquita added, “We remain in awe of the support we receive from this community, and are so very grateful for every sponsor, vendor and guest that helped make Taste of Rome shine this year.”
The event was complete with reminders from the microphone that May is Mental Health Awareness Month, as well as visuals offering inspiration and perspective on the subject, such as “Healing is not Linear,” and “One in five U.S. adults experience mental illness each year and only half of them receive treatment.”
Elevation House encourages the Rome/Floyd community to keep awareness of mental health heightened throughout this month and beyond. To stay up to date on events and education, keep eyes on the social media accounts for Elevation House as well as other local organizations, like Nami Rome, who are working toward the betterment of mental health education and support for those diagnosed, as well as their loved ones.