DAVISON, MI — Mental health has become a big topic of conversation in the last few years.
After a COVID-19 lockdown and in the era of social media, many people are struggling.
Now, Kevin Walsh, owner of the Davison Pharmacy, 1509 S. State Road, is organizing a fundraiser concert with other area businesses to help bring more awareness to this important issue.
“Mental health has always been a passion of mine,” Walsh said. “And my team here, both professionally and personally, will say so.”
The concert will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at St. John’s Parish Hall, 450 Dayton St. in Davison.
All ages are welcome. There will be Cottage Inn Pizza for sale, free soft drinks, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. Guests who are 21 and older may bring their own alcoholic beverages.
Walsh and other local business owners hope to bring awareness to the mental health treatments that are available and reduce the stigma associated with mental health. Funds raised at the concert will be used to plan additional events and speakers in the future.
The idea came from a discussion at a Davison Chamber of Commerce meeting at Big Apple Bagels in January. The owner, Pam Weier, stood up and shared her story of losing her 15-year-old daughter Emma Grunkemeyer on Nov. 17, 2020, to suicide.
It was Grunkemeyer’s dream to work at and manage the Big Apple Bagels store, which prompted Weier to buy it this year in her daughter’s honor.
Walsh and Weier partnered up to help organize the fundraiser. Walsh said mental health prescriptions are one of the most common he prescribes at his pharmacy.
“We’re hoping to start a student scholarship at Davison in honor of Emma,” Walsh said. “We are also working on starting a nonprofit to host informational events. And we want to hear from the community as far as what services would benefit them and their mental health.”
The event will feature a music performance from local artist Brian Dunne, a Midwest artist known for his laugh-to-keep-from-crying, darkly humorous lyrics.
Dunne released his fourth album, “Loser on the Ropes,” in early 2023 and is bending the sounds of American rock into masterfully composed, existentially poignant, wildly catchy renderings of being alive.
The opening act will be from Rhett and John, an acoustic cover band from Traverse City.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the pharmacy or on Eventbrite here.
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