Letter To All "Heeey Baby Days Of Beach Music" Friends

Friends:

In the past few years we have annually asked for a contribution for NAMI (National Alliance On Mental Illness).  We ask again this year but we are pleased to let you know that the advocacy, education and support efforts of NAMI GA is making a measured difference and your contributions in the past and the future make a difference!  Over the past year the Atlanta Journal Constitution exposed the substandard conditions that existed in our “state run” mental health facilities and the deaths that resulted as a direct result of the treatment or lack thereof.

I am proud that my wife Nora Marion has been at the forefront of the crusade to make a difference in getting a focus on fixing the broken mental health system in Georgia.  Our jails and prisons are over crowded with those who have not been able to receive treatment for their mental illness.  Our local emergency rooms are overwhelmed as they are forced to serve as mental health crisis centers.  There are thousands and thousands of Georgians who will be homeless tonight.  Some of our brave soldiers come home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; sadly over 20% of the homeless populations in our state are veterans.  Nora and I have family members that suffer with various forms of mental illness.  But we are not alone as one in four people feel the direct effects of mental illness either themselves or as a family members or a loved one who have one of the many forms of mental illness—severe depression, bipolar, schizoaffective, schizophrenia and others.

Whether it was the AJC articles, the pending visit from the Department of Justice or perhaps a feeling down in the soul, the State of Georgia will be making a concerted effort because we do have leadership that leads from the soul.  How so?  Connect the dots!

Earlier this year Nora and I attended Governor Sonny Perdue’s inauguration ball where the entertainment was the Swingin’ Medallions and the Tams.  Both are storied legends known for their soul music.  A few Saturdays ago, we attended the Jesters concert at Chateau Elan for the next to last summer book signing of our book “The Heeey Baby Days of Beach Music.”  As President of the Georgia chapter of NAMI, Nora had been asked to meet with Governor Perdue the following Monday, so instead of joining me at the party, she spent most of her time preparing for her presentation to the Governor.  She did join me for the last few numbers of the Jester’s stellar and soulful performance.  And we enjoyed in particular a great cover by the Jesters of the Sam & Dave classic, “When Something Is Wrong with My Baby.”

Nora gave her testimonial to the Governor the following Monday and ended her talk with a question for the Governor and it related directly to our son, Joey’s, battle with paranoid schizophrenia.  Asking for his help with the problems to accessing treatment for the mentally ill, she personalized the plea by asserting, “Because, Sir, when something is Wrong With My Baby.”

The Governor smilingly answered… “Something Is Wrong With You.”  He has soul!

Look for a “soulful” response in the future from the Governor of Georgia Sonny Perdue and the State as it relates to the solutions that effect the ability for the mentally ill to recover and become contributing members of their community.

Please join me at the NAMI GAWALK where I will be providing the sounds from the 15 CD series that comprises the companion to the book, “The Heeey Baby Days of Beach Music.”

Here follows how to make a contribution to “The Heeey Baby Days” team.  Contributors will receive a numbered Limited Edition Book Tour poster signed by Nora and me.  Only 100 were printed in the 24” x 36” size!

http://www.heybabydays.com/HBD_Tour_Flyer_Signed.jpg


HERE’S HOW TO MAKE YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION:

NAMIWalks for the Mind of America, NAMI’s signature walkathon event that is being held in Atlanta, GA at Georgia-Pacific Center Plaza, 133 Peachtree St. on September 29, 2007 at 2:00 p.m.


I would like to ask you to come and walk with me or to donate to support my participation in this great event. Visit my personal walker page to sign up:

http://www.nami.org/namiwalks07/GEO/HeyBabyDays

There is also a link so you can donate directly to me online. Donating online is fast and secure, and I'll get immediate notification via e-mail of your donation.

Thank you in advance for your support.


Sincerely,


Greg Haynes
 

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the largest education, support and advocacy organization that serves the needs of all those whose lives are touched by these illnesses.  This includes persons with mental illness, their families, friends, employers, the law enforcement community and policy makers.

The NAMI organization is composed of approximately 1100 local affiliates, 50 state offices and a national office.

The goals of the NAMIWalks program are: to fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness, to build awareness of the fact that the mental health system in this country needs to be improved, and to raise funds for NAMI so that they can continue their mission.

NAMI is a 501(c)3 charity and any donation you make to support my participation in this event is tax deductible.  NAMI has been rated by Worth magazine as among the top 100 charities "most likely to save the world" and has been given an "A" rating by The American Institute of Philanthropy for efficient and effective use of charitable dollars.

CLICK HERE To Order The Book!

[ Top Of Page ]