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Four members of The Key Clubhouse of South Florida will make their stand-up comic debuts at this year’s 7th annual Hope and Recovery Mental Health Luncheon highlighting the theme of “Stand-Up for Mental Health.” The luncheon will be held on Sunday, March 5 at the Pullman Miami Airport Hotel (5800 Blue Lagoon Drive) at 11:30 a.m.
The aspiring comedians are Leonel Myrtil, Tamara Burch, Veronica Lallan and Fernando Garcia. Since early January, David Granirer, who founded Stand Up For Mental Health, an award-winning program that teaches comedy to people with mental health issues, has been tutoring each of the four members.
Granirer, who has bipolar disorder, has taught stand-up comedy to recovering addicts, cancer patients and people with mental illness since 2004. He will headline the Hope and Recovery Mental Health Luncheon.
The luncheon will feature stand-up comedy performances by four members of the Key Clubhouse of South Florida. Leonel Myrtil, 27, says he will be both nervous and anxious when he takes the stage for the first time. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia when he was 18 years-old, Myrtil has been a member for nine years.
Tamara Burch, 43, recalls her performance in “To Kill a Mockingbird” when in middle school. She hopes her comic performance will provide a better understanding of who she is as well as her journey with mental illness. A member for one year, she has been diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia.
Veronica Lallan, 47, who has been a member for seven years, will make her stage debut at the luncheon. Diagnosed with anxiety and depression, Lallan is looking forward to feeling the audiences’ love after her performance.
A member of the Key Clubhouse since 2016, Fernando Garcia, 65, performed as an actor and singer some 14 years ago while in Cuba and Spain. Diagnosed with major depression and anxiety, he is looking forward to communicating through laughter during his stand-up routine.
The Key Clubhouse fills a significant gap in the mental health system by offering opportunities for meaningful work, education, friendships and access to housing in a supportive, caring and dignified community setting. Since its founding in 2008, the nonprofit has helped to positively impact the lives of many adults living with serious mental illness such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depression.
The luncheon is presented by the Dosal Family Foundation, which advocates for philanthropic causes while supporting a number of charitable organizations dedicated to improving the lives of many in South Florida. Other event sponsors include Senator Rene Garcia, Miami-Dade County Commissioner; Micky Steinberg, Miami-Dade County Commissioner; Citrus Family Care Network; Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr, LLP; Segal Clinical Trials; Kenny Nachwalter, PA and Zuma & Sons Distributors.
Tickets are $125.00 and donations are tax deductible. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or purchasing a ticket online, visit www.keyclubhouse.org.
The chair of the Hope and Recovery Mental Health Luncheon is Retired Judge Jeri Cohen. Alexis Frazier, morning traffic reporter at WPLG-Channel 10, will serve as emcee/mistress of ceremonies.
The Key Clubhouse of South Florida is a nonprofit organization that offers a free work- centered program for adults living with serious mental illness such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depression. It assists them with recovery and reintegration in the community.
Key Clubhouse of South Florida is funded by the Thriving Mind South Florida, the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families, Miami-Dade County, several foundations and numerous generous contributors.
For information on The Key Clubhouse of South Florida, visit www.keyclubhouse.org.
