NAMI Walk at Asbury Methodist Church Raises Over $116,000 for Mental Health Awareness

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) hosted its annual walk fundraiser on Saturday at Asbury Methodist Church on East Avenue. Over 500 participants registered for the event, raising more than $116,000 by 4:30 p.m., with a goal of reaching $120,000. This year’s walk coincides with the launch of Mental Illness Awareness Week.

The event featured health vendors and live music, with performances by News10NBC’s Brett Davidsen. It ran from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

John Messenger, board president of NAMI Rochester, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We’re all in this together. I mean, it takes a village, as they say. We work closely with lots of different organizations and departments, both government and private, who are in the mental health field.” Messenger also noted that NAMI provides support groups that deliver valuable information and foster connections among those facing similar challenges.

This marks the second consecutive year that the walk has taken place at Asbury Methodist Church.