'Healing Hearts, Mending Minds' Fundraiser to Kick Off Mental Health Awareness Week 

A benefit concert to celebrate the healing powers of art will be presented by NAMI Southwest CT to kick off Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place the first week of October. Singers, songwriters, dancers, choreographers, pianists, and storytellers from Fairfield and Westchester counties will perform for those challenged by mental health issues.

The benefit concert, entitled Healing Hearts and Mending Minds, will be held October 1 at Cole Auditorium in Greenwich Library. Proceeds will benefit the Southwest CT affiliate of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). A cheese and wine reception will be take place before the concert, as part of the admission price. Tickets are available online at www.NAMI.Ticketleap.com

The Healing Hearts and Mending Minds event has been organized by singer and therapist Allegra Themmen-Pigott. “The expressive powers of art have a unique ability to bring healing and comfort to those who often feel marginalized in a world that cannot see their inner pain and struggles,” she said. Themmen-Pigott is a licensed psychotherapist and music therapist as well as an opera and folk singer.

“I encourage everyone to join me and all our dedicated performers in support of NAMI Southwest CT and its mission to provide education, support and advocacy for families and individuals facing serious mental health challenges,” she continued.

A stellar lineup of performers will contribute their talents and virtuosity in diverse forms of art to both entertain and deepen public understanding of the emotions associated with hope and recovery. Performers include: Allegra Dancers from Greenwich; Allegra Themmen-Pigott, singer; Amy Challenger, writer for the Huffington Post; Cecily Schüler, poet; Don Rickenback, singer/songwriter; Jennifer Harper, singer songwriter; and Jodi Maxner, singer.