To support NAMI Iowa (National Alliance on Mental Illness), and particularly in commemoration of May being dedicated as Mental Illness Awareness Month, please read about their most recent event, “Beautiful Minds”.

This is their third year for this event, and it has grown every year by leaps and bounds. As a volunteer, I attended the reception hosted by Des Moines University and met the actors and actresses as well as local individuals and families that had messages to share. We have a lot of work to do. To help anyone with a mental illness with recognition, education, proper treatment and ongoing support.

After the reception, I volunteered at Governor Tom and Christie Vilsack’s home for a private dinner that they were hosting. They were one of twelve families that hosted each of the actors and actresses that you will find on the link above. The actress that was at the Vilsack home was Lisa Nicole Carson portrayed by Donna Scarfe. The collaboration of the guests and our various backgrounds in conjunction with Lisa’s story was very enriching. I encourage you to also note the sponsors at the bottom of the page.