October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a day to acknowledge mental health struggles and to promote taking care of your mental health. The 2023 theme is, “mental health is a universal human right”, and recognizes everyone’s right to protect their mental health, and have access to affordable and quality care when needed. As we recognize World Mental Health Day, we’d like to acknowledge and thank the Revelas Family Foundation for their commitment to fighting the stigma surrounding mental health.
On December 22, 2023, the foundation is hosting “A Not So Silent Night,” a holiday spectacular in Downtown Buffalo with the goal of raising money and awareness for mental health. We interviewed foundation members Ariana, Savannah, and Nick Revelas to learn more about the foundation’s mission and the purpose behind their upcoming event. See what they had to say below!
How did the Revelas Family Foundation become a reality?
After a few years of running successful events, we wanted to find a way to establish our name in the community for years to come. Creating the Revelas Family Foundation, gave us a legitimate name in the Western New York Community and within the mental health space. As a foundation, we can continue to do what we are passionate about – hosting engaging, fun, events in Buffalo that raise money and awareness for mental health.
Why do you think educating and providing awareness around mental health is so important?
We need to see more conversations and education about mental health happening in schools, within friend groups, and at home. Horizon Health Service’s mission to make resources accessible to our communities in need aligns with our foundation’s mission of helping young WNY individuals find resources and get the help they need.
What is the impact you have seen since you began advocating for mental health and the behavioral health industry?
This movement started in a driveway. Since then, it became a three-on-three basketball tournament, a book, a documentary with a drive-in premiere, and a Guinness World Record breaking event. Although we have grown and evolved, the goal is still very simple: raising money and awareness in a fun way. These events have started conversations, broken barriers, and hopefully gotten the word out that if you are struggling, it is ok to not to be ok. We have seen people be more open about their struggles, and if we can help even one person struggling find the help they need, it makes our efforts worth it.
Please tell us a bit about the inaugural event “A Not So Silent Night” and how the vision came to life.
“A Not So Silent Night” was born out of the vision to bring the community together at a time of year when so many are struggling with their mental health. “A Not So Silent Night” will be a holiday spectacular held on Friday, December 22, 2023 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. It’s an opportunity to get together and spend time with family or friends. There will be raffles, dancing, food and refreshments, and a lot of other fun surprises. All the funds raised will support Horizon Health Service’s Teen Mental Health Program.
Click here to learn more about the event and to purchase tickets.
Why do you think treatment is so important in the conversation around mental health?
Treatment is such a vital part of the conversation around mental health. It is how we can cope and get the help that we need to heal. It’s like breaking a bone. Would you live every day with a broken arm, unable to do your day-to-day activities, while in pain? Of course not! You would go to the doctor, get a cast, and heal. The same thing goes for our minds. If we don’t allow ourselves to get the treatment that we need, we will never heal. Treatment is a beautiful thing, and something that every single person deserves, whether it be for our bodies or minds.
If you could tell someone who is hesitant to reach out for help and support one thing, what would it be?
You are not alone. You don’t have to fight these battles by yourself. Although it can be scary, opening up about your mental health can be life changing. It is the first and hardest step, but if you can do that, you are capable of anything.
If you or a loved one is struggling, Horizon is here to help. Call us at 716-831-1800 to learn more.