DAVENPORT, IOWA (August 17, 2023) — NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley has acquired a new partner in supporting its mission to reach more people in the Quad-City region who need its free, nationally-developed education and support groups for those living with mental-health conditions, and their families and friends. Malik and Karen Khaliq and family, of Milan, Illinois, have stepped up to be the Presenting Sponsor ($15,000) of the 2023 NAMIWalks Greater Mississippi Valley event on Saturday, September 16, at the Bend XPO amphitheater, East Moline, Illinois.
“We get tremendous support from the Quad-City business community, as well as individuals, who regularly sponsor NAMIWalks each year,” said NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley Development Director Lori Leipold. “But it’s rare for a family to support NAMIWalks at the level of Presenting Sponsor. We are very grateful to the Khaliq family for their generous support of our mission. NAMIWalks is our largest annual fundraiser and provides significant support for our education and support programs. Meeting our fundraising goal each year is vital to delivering programs to more people in need throughout our eight-county service area.”
According to Malik and Karen Khaliq, “Our inspiration to support NAMI comes from a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. As a Presenting Sponsor, we have the opportunity to amplify NAMI’s message and bring attention to the critical importance of mental health in our communities. By raising awareness and encouraging open discussions about mental health, we can foster an environment of acceptance and understanding, helping individuals feel empowered to seek help and support without fear of judgement.
“We have witnessed the impact that mental health challenges can have on individuals and their loved ones,” they added. “It is a struggle that often goes unnoticed or remains stigmatized in society, leading to a lack of understanding and empathy. By partnering with NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley, we aim to help break down those barriers and foster a compassionate and inclusive environment for those dealing with mental-health conditions. The organization’s efforts in promoting awareness and providing resources for those affected by mental-health conditions are essential steps towards building a more empathetic and inclusive society.”
NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental-health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley serves residents of Scott, Clinton, Muscatine, Jackson, and Cedar counties in eastern Iowa, and Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties in western Illinois. More information can be found at namigmv.org. NAMIWalks sign-up and online walk donations can be made at namiwalks.org/greatermississippivalley.
