Mental Health Awareness Night Draws 100+ in Burlington

More than 100 Burlington residents gathered at Grand View Farm on May 14 for Mental Health Awareness Night, an event focused on breaking stigma around mental health through conversation and community connection.

Select Board Member Mike Espejo and Sh;ft Studios owner Kris Fabbri organized the event with support from Burlington Youth & Family Services, the Council on Aging, Burlington Public Schools, the Board of Health, and the Burlington Police Department. Local businesses including A Whole Bunch Flower Market, Burlington Famous Pizza, JulieAnne's Bakery & Cafe, Crack'd Kitchen & Coffee, Viet Citron, Goodnight Johnny's American Music Bar, and Wegmans donated to the event.

Espejo said he created the event because mental health issues demand attention. "Mental health issues are a real problem in this country," he said. "With the pace of life these days, most of us don't stop and take the time to check on ourselves."

Espejo had worried few would attend. "I was very worried people wouldn't show up because they wouldn't want to be seen at an event like this," he said. "When I saw all the people in the room, I knew the night was a success."

Fabbri, whose Sh;ft Studios focuses on mental wellness and community connection, said the evening demonstrated the power of gathering people together. "Mental health has become the 'why' behind everything I do," Fabbri said. "I've seen firsthand how connection, movement, and community can change lives."

Residents connected with local organizations and learned about mental health resources available in Burlington. Fabbri said the most meaningful moments occurred between people meeting for the first time. "Seeing individuals connect, share their experiences, and realize they weren't alone was powerful," Fabbri said. "That's where real change begins, in human connection."

Espejo acknowledged the stigma that prevents many from seeking help. "There's a stigma attached to these issues," he said. "While nothing is physically wrong, your entire state of being can be disrupted when you are not in a good mental state."