Last summer the Austin Clubhouse felt that it needed to shut its doors after Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order that prevented them from asking for vaccination proof of its patients, according to a report by Spectrum Local News.
Austin Clubhouse set up shop outside its facility as Travis County’s COVID-19 guidelines were at its peak and eventually closed, but now the organization has announced that it is back up and running and is organizing a fundraiser in December called the WANA Live Party. The party is set up to celebrate the community as well as raise money to help the organization assist those with mental health diagnoses.
“This is a place of community where you can explore your strengths rather than feel that you are defined in any way by a mental health diagnosis,” Executive Director Sharon Lowe said to Spectrum Local News.
To increase funds for the organization, the WANA Live Party will honor mental health leaders and feature the first ever Spirit of Community Wards. Two community organizations will be honored that break silence of the stigma of mental health while also creating awareness and healing for those with mental illness.
The honorees are Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, which will be represented by Executive Director Dr. Octavio Martinez, as well as Self Help and Advocacy Center (SHAC), which is represented by Executive Director Shannon Carr.
The event includes a reception and Asian-themed dinner by Old Thousand (“Dope Chinese”). There will also be a recorded message and musical performance by BettySoo, a singer-songwriter from Austin. Paige Renee Berry will provide live music and there will be stories from people who have lived with a mental health experience.
WANA Live Party will take place at the Asian American Resource Center on 8401 Cameron Rd. in Austin from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9. Tickets for the event can be found online for both the in-person and virtual experience.