Monday, July 27, 2009

Donor gives $75,000 to Mental Health Association


A retired businessman donated $75,000 to the Mental Health Association – the largest donation the group has ever received from an individual -- after reading a recent Charlotte Mission Possible article in the Observer.

H. Keith Brunnemer Jr. donated the money on Monday after meeting with MHA executive director Ellis Fields. The organization's United Way funds were cut by $115,319.

Brunnemer's donation also was the one of the largest to any organization as a result of the Mission Possible collaboration.

Before handing over the check, he talked about his own battles with anxiety disorder and his desire to do more for the community than simply serve on boards.

"I have a spot in my heart for the field," he said. "I decided at my age it was time to start giving something back. This article hit me at a time where I thought now is the time to start."

The donation enables the Mental Health Association to reevaluate its budget, and hopefully reinstate some employees to full-time hours, Fields said. The organization promotes mental wellness, and especially focuses on suicide prevention.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

How about music education for kids that can least afford it.

Anonymous said...

Nice man.

Anonymous said...
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Jeremy said...
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Unknown said...

Your contributions will set free the poor trapped souls who endure daily harrassment of inner demons. May God Bless you sir.

Anonymous said...

This is great news. Thank you Mr. Brunnemer!

Anonymous said...

Until you are in need of mental health care, you will never believe the lack of adequate care that is available. When people are at their most vulnerable, they cannot advocate for themselves and do the tremendous amount of work it requires to find help. Thank you and bless you from all of the anonymous people you have saved.