Event Celebrates Mental Health Recovery

Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl is presenting the 16th annual “Quinn Family Bash” this Friday, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Zanesville Muskingum County Welcome Center.

One in four Americans suffer from a mental illness. Paul Quinn, President of the Six County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said his family puts on the bash to celebrate recovery and support those who are battling disorders.

“Over the course of 16 years, the bash has really grown into a staple in the community,” he said. “Along with the passage of the levies supporting mental health, this community has really rallied around mental health and we’re celebrating it.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, is a small not for profit that offers training for family members and caregivers on how to improve the lives of the mentally ill and support their families. Quinn said the success rate for those who pursue recovery is the highest for any illness.

“There is no better feeling than to see people on their challenging road to recovery, dancing and singing seemingly without a care in the world. That makes it all worthwhile,” Quinn said.

Attendees can enjoy live music from the Quinn Family Singers, dancing, prizes, snacks and refreshments. The event is free and open to the public.