ADVISORY/Party for Life Holds First Fundraising Event; Regional Volunteers Host Celebration of Life for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness.

Assignment & News Editors

ADVISORY...for Tuesday (Nov. 12)

STERLING, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 4, 2002

Party for Life, a consortium of volunteers working to promote mental health and suicide prevention, today announced its first fundraiser at eCITI Cafe and Bar in Tysons Corner, Virginia, November 12, 2002, 6-9 PM.

The event, themed "Let's Give `em Something to Talk About," is aimed at raising funds to help break down the barriers surrounding the awareness and treatment of depression and suicide - this country's 11th leading cause of death.

Designed to be a celebration of life, the first annual Party for Life will include great food, music, and fabulous raffle and silent auction items. All proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Mental Health Association. Interested parties can visit www.partyforlife.com to learn more, register securely or make a contribution online.

"Now, more than ever, we need to focus on positive activities that demonstrate we are a united region that cares about each other. And, an event like Party for Life - which is focused on giving back the joy of life to those who suffer from depression - becomes even more important," according to Party for Life President and Co-Founder, Connie Belsito. "It is this strong coming together of the community that is vital to our ability to fully understand and treat depression, which affects more people than coronary heart disease, cancer and AIDS."

"AFSP applauds Party for Life, its volunteers and supporters for taking an important stand on the issue of depression and suicide prevention," stated Darrell Tucci, Development Manager, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. "The event will raise funds to increase education and prevention programs while helping to decrease the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide."

"Many people do not realize that mental healthcare can be lifesaving - especially for people in crisis who see suicide as the only solution," said Michael M. Faenza, MSSW, National Mental Health Association President and CEO. "Every dollar raised by Party for Life will work towards making sure people get the care they need. Thank you, Party for Life."

About Party for Life

Party for Life evolved from a consortium of volunteers with a common goal - to help the 54 million people who suffer from the debilitating effects of depression and mental illness.

Through events focused on promoting the joy of life, Party for Life seeks to raise funds for such key organizations as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Mental Health Association, while raising awareness about the importance of mental health. For more information, visit www.partyforlife.com.

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to advancing our knowledge of suicide and our ability to prevent it. AFSP has provided more information than ever before about prevention, warning signs and the mental illnesses most often responsible for suicide. For more information, visit www.afsp.org.

About the National Mental Health Association

The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research and service. Visit www.nmha.org for more information.