Meridian Health Services Annual Charity Gala Is Back for Year 12
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Travel through the rabbit hole to a world of wonderment and surprise at Meridian Health Services’ Rialzo XII – Wonderland, where “Nothing’s Impossible!” This year’s “Alice in Wonderland”-themed charity gala will be held on Saturday, May 6 and will return to the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie where Rialzo was hosted for its first 10 years.
Meridian Health Services and presenting sponsor, Pridemark Construction, invite you to enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing and fundraising games that will leave you “mad” with excitement. Attendees will enjoy spectacular entertainment by Rialzo arts partners Muncie Civic Theatre, Orchestra Indiana, Cornerstone Center for the Arts, and the national party band Universal Crush.
Additionally, Hank Milius, Meridian Health Services’ president and CEO, will receive the Rialzo XII Spirit of Meridian award during the Rialzo program. The award recognizes and pays tribute to an individual who demonstrates proactive actions in promoting healthier communities. Milius is retiring from Meridian at the end of 2023 after 21 years of service. Milius’ visionary leadership led to Meridian becoming the whole-person health home it is today. Additionally, Milius created Rialzo, which has raised more than $1 million for Meridian’s broad suite of health care programming.
Rialzo is a purpose with a party. Rialzo, Italian for “elevate” or “rise,” represents Meridian’s mission to improve lives and make communities healthier through an emphasis on whole-person health. Since the first Rialzo in 2010, the annual charity gala has raised funds to support Meridian Health Services’ programs and services, and has benefited thousands of people in need throughout Indiana.
Funds raised at Rialzo will help youth mental and physical health through Meridian’s partnership with local community schools, to provide and expand services for children and adolescents in need through Meridian’s school-based health clinics. This comes at a time when children need us most as the nation faces a youth mental health crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that not only is suicide the third-leading cause of death for youth aged 15 to 19, but one in four adolescents aged 12 to 17 have also had a substance use disorder or a major depressive episode. Moreover, according to Mental Health America, 56% of Indiana’s youth with a major depressive episode did not receive mental health services in the past year. Mental health has a complex, integrated relationship with a child’s physical health and their ability to succeed in school, work and society. Poor mental health is a risk factor for chronic physical health conditions, highlighting the importance of providing integrated physical and mental health services.
“Alice in Wonderland” is symbolic of the many changes and trials children face. Often, growing up feels like you are traveling down a rabbit hole that is dark and filled with mystery at every corner as you navigate life. For some, the rabbit hole may include issues at home, bullies, inadequate access to health care and more, all of which can leave a child desperately seeking Wonderland. Luckily, just like Alice had the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter, Meridian Health is there to help navigate children to a place where “Nothing’s Impossible!” by offering physical, behavioral and social services.
Feel the energy and see the impact that is only Rialzo. Learn more and purchase tickets, tables and sponsorships at rialzo.meridianhs.org.
