For immediate release — October 21, 2018
2nd Annual AIM for Awareness Ad Contest exhibition & reception. Special Guests: Congressman Jimmy Panetta, Judge Marla Anderson, Mayor Steve Dallas, Judge Stephanie Hulsey, Superintendent Nancy Kotowski speak on AIM’s Mission…Youth Mental Health.
Carmel, CA – October 19, 2018 – The 2nd Annual AIM for Awareness Ad Contest culminated at the Sunset Center in Carmel this evening, sponsored by Carmel Sunset Rotary. AIM Youth Mental Health honored contestants from Monterey County Middle and High Schools and youth organizations for their creative advertising concepts in the promotion of youth mental health awareness.
Young contestants were surprised by the special appearance of Congressman Jimmy Panetta, who praised them for their inspirational entries, and spoke on the critical need to eliminate the stigma and encourage the open discussion of mental health challenges afflicting many among our young. Congressman Panetta praised the work of AIM, and the value of its Ad Contest in schools, to encourage young people to think, talk, and educate the world about mental health.
Contestants’ ad work was displayed in Carmel’s Sunset Center, where guests enjoyed fine food, wine, and live music, including a captivating rendition of Hallelujah sung by AIM Ambassador, Angela Valdez, along with short speeches by several other luminaries in attendance.
Paulette Lynch, Executive Director of the Arts Council for Monterey and incoming President of the Carmel Sunset Rotary said, “The judges were so impressed by the students’ aesthetic, attention to detail and creativity in the name of youth mental health. Each piece was dynamic, moving, and carefully designed.”
AIM for Awareness Ad Contest judges included graphic designers, marketing executives, architects, and other professionals.
“AIM’s Ad Contest is a fun, positive project for kids—a way to start the conversation about their mental health. Our youth have amazing insight and create extraordinary messages through their entries. They are my heroes! They will be the generation to break the stigma associated with differences of the mind!” said Susan Stilwell, co-Founder of AIM.
AIM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to youth mental health research and awareness.
