The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is holding its fourth annual Walk for Awareness on Oct. 7, 2006, at the “loop” in Wrightsville Beach. The purpose of the fundraiser is to heighten community awareness about mental illness issues. The foundation has set a goal of $12,000 in comparison to their $7,000 goal of 2005.

All funds will help fund two Family-to-Family classes, a 12-week program for the families of individuals suffering from mental illness. The program teaches family members how to more effectively cope with problems that may occur when dealing with their loved ones. In addition, remaining funds will be given to the Driftwood Apartments, which provides assisted housing for the mentally ill and homeless citizens of Wilmington. The Driftwood Apartments allow residents to live in a facility that is equipped to meet their special needs while maintaining a level of independence.

NAMI is inviting all UNCW students to come out and participate in the walk-a-thon and aid in the effort to raise money for their cause. One-out-of-four people have a family member that is affected by mental illness. Registration for the event will begin at 9:15 in front of the Wrightsville Beach Town Hall; cost is $15.00 per person. The walk will begin at 10, consisting of one or two loops around the Wrightsville Beach.

Students, families and companies can also make cash donations in the amount of $25, $100 or $200, and will receive recognition of sponsorship. All donations can be mailed to NAMI-Wilmington, P.O. Box 4485, Wilmington, NC, 28403. If interested or would like additional information please contact Stan Oathout, NAMI president, at (910) 253-0863.