Dear Friends,
February 29, 2020, Rebecca’s Dream’s supporters gathered at The Glen Club, Glenview, Ill., to Celebrate 15 years of “Changing the Face of Depression” and to promote awareness and compassionate understanding of depression and bipolar disorder as real diseases.
Chicago radio personality, Steve Cochran, Master of Ceremonies, shared a powerful message about the importance of mental health stigma and the progress we’re making to eliminate it. Cochran drew from the personal and professional relationship he had with Rebecca and the influence she had in creating this Foundation which offers a platform to speak out against stigma and to share personal stories about living with mental illnesses.
670 Score radio personality, Dan Bernstein, stood together with Steve stressing the importance of the work RD is doing. They urged all to continue fighting against stigma and expressed their appreciation for the help, hope, knowledge and support offered by Rebecca’s Dream to so many in need.
Award winning Indie Artist, Nikki Lynette shared her real story and compelling message about how living with mental illness inspired her to write and produce the play “Get Out Alive,” an edgy theatrical music experience about depression and recovery. Lynette performed one of her hit songs “Rest In Pieces.”
The room was filled with guests of all ages as Rebecca’s Dream’s President, Stan Slovin, recognized Rebecca’s Dream’s Heroes for their constant support and efforts. Founders Gail and Norm Cutler extended their gratitude and appreciation to the Board, volunteers and the dedication of our donors who make it possible to continue the mission and vision of Rebecca’s Dream. They shared their vision of a world where the stigma of mental illness would be only a memory.
Co-founder Susan Haimes and daughters Shara Lieberman and Deborah Haimes recognized three outstanding high school seniors, Lillian Djunaedi, Payton Schield and Sarah Sweeney as this year’s Rebecca’s Dream 2020 College Scholarship recipients. These students share in Rebecca’s Dream’s mission and vision to ‘Change the Face of Depression.’
Junior Board members Alexa Abramovitch, Emily Connell, Haley Epstein, Ally Fein, Jarett Fersten, Molly Offit, and Alexa Warady spoke about what drew them to RD and the strides they’ve made this past year toward educating their peers about the reality of living successfully with mental illness.
A fantastic dinner, successful silent auction, and energetic dancing rounded out a memorable evening, and successful 15th year annual fund raiser.
Rebecca’s Dream Board of Directors
Our Warmest thanks for being part of our family.
Your commitment to our mission and vision helps us provide help, hope and encouragement to those in need of mental health education.
We thank you for attending the 15th Annual Rebecca’s Dream Benefit and Auction, supporting RD through your financial generosity, volunteering, sponsoring, and for walking the path with us to reduce stigma of mental illness while we educate our audience and beyond. Because of your support we bring outreach and impactful programming to many communities.
With infinite gratitude,
The Board of Directors of Rebecca’s Dream
Rebecca’s Dream College Scholarships in Memory of Dr. Harlan Haimes
Rebecca’s Dream 2020 Mental Health Award is an annual award that celebrates three exceptional high school seniors from Illinois schools. These students share in Rebecca’s Dream’s mission and vision to reduce the stigma of mental illness and ‘Change the Face of Depression.’
The high school students selected for this award each receive $1,500 and recognition on Rebecca’s Dream’s website. The Awardees were recognized at the 15th Annual Benefit and Silent Auction. Susan Haimes presented the awards in memory of her husband, Dr. Harlan Haimes. Joining her in the presentation were daughters Shara Lieberman and Deborah Haimes.
Lillian Djunaedi
Stevenson High School
Payton Schield
Naperville North High School
Sarah Sweeney
Stevenson High School
Dr. Harlan Haimes Scholarships are in memory of our Co-founder, Dr. Harlan Haimes.
Rebecca’s Dream is grateful to Harlan for his dedication, devotion and vision to reduce the stigma of mental illness by promoting awareness and compassionate understanding of depression and bipolar disorder as real diseases.
“One day I want to
wake up and matter;
not to you, or the world,
to myself.”
-HealthyPlace.com
Impressions from the Benefit
“IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD”
‘’IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD” contains information about: ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, stigma, symptoms and ways to cope.
Author and illustrator Marlee F. Is a teen living successfully with depression. As Marlee struggled to understand her thoughts, feelings and moods she created “IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD.” Marlee’s passion became helping teens easily understand they are not alone during difficult mental health challenges ~ help she wishes she had during her early years of confusion and shame.
Mental disorders don’t discriminate.
One in five teens are affected by some form of disorder severe enough to impact their daily lives.
However, with professional help and self-care most teens feel better within 4-6 weeks.
Tips & Tools
Rebecca’s Dream’s Scientific Advisory Board member, Dr. Michelle Epstein, discusses tips on coping with COVID stress and anxiety with the WGN-TV Morning News anchors Larry Potash and Robin Baumgarten. Visit MichelleEpsteinPhD.com to learn more about these strategies.
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