Gala

WE ROCKED THE MANSION!

Newport Mental Health’s Rock the Mansion at Rough Point was without a doubt, a historic night supporting mental health in Newport County. It was again a sellout, with 430 guests enjoying an exceptional evening bursting with positive energy, lively music by the Mr. Chubb Band that lit up dance floor, beautiful décor, delicious food by Pranzi Catering with drinks donated by Vickers’ Liquors, and entertaining and rousing auctions led by auctioneer Nichole Pirro. 

Not only was it a night to remember, but it was also a night that shattered fundraising goals.  The 2022 Rock the Mansion Gala brought in $229,000, a record for this event! The fund-a-need paddle raise alone raised $66,550. 

The size of the Rock the Mansion Gala more than doubled over last year and prompted a move to the bigger venue on the grounds of Rough Point, thanks to the generosity and community spirit of new President and CEO Frankie Vagnone, and his dedicated team. The presenting Rock Star Sponsor was J2 Construction for the second year in a row.  

Other major sponsors of the event included the Aramli Foundation/Bedjet, and Dr. Jay and Andrea Schachne.  

Among the guests was Congressman David Cicilline, who delivered passionate remarks about the importance of mental health. Other elected officials in attendance included: Fmr. State Sen. Bud Cicilline, State Sen. Lou DiPalma, State Rep. Terri Cortvriend, Fmr. State Rep. Deb Ruggiero, and Middletown Town Councilor Dennis Turano. 

The founders of the Lobby Muddy Fest presented Newport Mental Health with a check for $15,000, proceeds from its August event in Newport, also a recordbreaker for their fundraising efforts. 

“Rock the Mansion – and all the people who were involved with it from planning to sponsors, volunteers, guests, and servers – went above and beyond our wildest expectations,” said Jamie Lehane, President and CEO of Newport Mental Health. “It was truly inspirational how everyone came together to create an unforgettable night that spread that spread awareness of our  mission, and also shattered our fundraising goals.  This means better access to behavioral health care will be available for more people in Newport County, and that’s better all of us a community. We are very grateful."