MUNCIE, Ind. – Meridian Health Services’ Rialzo, East Central Indiana’s largest charity gala, returned on Saturday, May 6 at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie. Seven hundred of Meridian’s greatest supporters traveled through the rabbit hole to a world of wonderment at the Alice in Wonderland-themed Rialzo XII.
Rialzo will help support the dire need for increased mental and physical health services for children in local schools through Meridian’s School-Based Health Clinics. This funding comes at a time when children need it most as the nation faces a youth mental health crisis.
“Rialzo truly is a purpose with a party,” said Beth Clark, Meridian’s Vice President of Development & Marketing, “Our theme “Nothing’s Impossible!” captured the hope we have for our youth as we work to broaden access to integrated care treating the body and mind for optimal whole-personal health.”
Rialzo’s program included personal testimony from Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, Director of Public Education and Chief Executive Officer of Muncie Community Schools. Kwiatkowski spoke to how the issues facing children today are much different than they were before the rise of social media and the internet which causes many students to struggle – that’s why Muncie Community Schools’ partnership with Meridian Health Services’ school clinics is so important.
Dr. Kwiatkowski shared in her presentation:
“Meridian staff all of our schools with qualified nurses and they have a community health center embedded at Southside Middle School that serves students, staff and community members since opening just a few years ago.
Mental health has become a top priority for school districts all over the country. The crisis is not going to be resolved any time soon, but with community support and professionals like the people at Meridian Health, I believe we are able to bring students the services they need.”
Additionally, during the Rialzo XII program, Hank Milius, Meridian’s President and CEO was awarded the Rialzo Spirit of Meridian Award, a recognition that pays tribute to an individual who demonstrates proactive actions in promoting healthier communities. Milius will retire at the end of 2023. During his 21 years at Meridian, he has transformed the mental health agency to an integrated healthcare system making whole-person health accessible to more people in communities across Indiana.
Rialzo XII also featured spectacular entertainment with performances by Muncie Civic Theatre performers – and the band, Universal Crush, who has recently played at the White House and opened for Bon Jovi and Maroon Five. Additionally, guests enjoyed Wonderland games featuring Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Courtyard Croquet Challenge, Mystical Key Tree, raffle prizes, silent auction items, and the main fundraiser of the evening – “Nothing’s Impossible!”
“Rialzo is a community celebration with over 40 sponsors and 100 volunteers/partners who helped make it so successful by supporting our cause for youth mental and physical health for our clinics in local schools,” said Hank Milius, Meridian’s President & CEO. We are so appreciative to have collaborative relationships with many organizations throughout the state who supported us in raising funds for this dire need.”
Rialzo XII was made possible in part by the generosity of presenting sponsor, Pridemark Construction. Additional support was provided by:
Diamond Sponsors: Indiana Michigan Power, Willowbrook Interiors, Sight & Sound, Scherrer Construction, Intersection, Vera Mae’s Bistro, and The Clubhouse at Accutech.
Platinum Sponsors: Jay-Crew, North Central Health System, River Bend Hospital, Toyota of Muncie, University Dermatology Center, First Merchants Bank, Star Press Local IQ, Clancy’s Car Washes and Village Bowl, and Henry Community Health.
Silver Sponsors: Amazing Joe’s, Dennis, Wenger, & Abrell, Ivy Tech, Walls Furniture, Woof Boom Radio, Ball State University, Tilt 23, Once Upon a Plate, and Camp & Eat Boat-tique.
Visit MeridianHS.org to view pictures and video from Rialzo XII or make a donation in support of Meridian’s mission to create healthier communities.
