The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, the nation’s leading grassroots organization solely dedicatedto improving the lives of people with serious mental illnesses and their families, hosted a BenefitReception at the Folger Shakespeare Library to honor the valiant efforts of several of their strongestproponents. With former ABC News medical and health correspondent George Strait serving as emcee, theevening honored the specific contributions of members of Congress and the Clinton Administration fortheir leadership on the Work Incentives Improvement Act. Honorees included Secretary of Labor AlexisHerman; Senators James Jeffords (R-VT), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY), andWilliam Roth, Jr. (R-DE); and Representatives Tom Bliley, Jr. (R-VA), John Dingell (D-MI), Kenny Hulshof(R-MO), Nancy Johnson (R-CT), Rick Lazio (R-NY), Robert Matsui (D-CA), and Henry Waxman (D-CA). NAMI tookthe opportunity also to recognize Marriott International, Inc. and the Marriott Foundation for Peoplewith Disabilities for their efforts to employ individuals with mental disabilities. Proceeds from thecocktail reception will benefit NAMI’s Helpline, a unique toll-free service staffed by trained volunteerswho offer hope and encouragement, information on mental illness and treatment, and referrals to callers’communities.

Honorary Chairs: Mrs. Robert F. Bennett, Mrs. Ernest F. Hollings, Mrs. Herbert H. Bateman, andMrs. John D. Dingell

Click on the Photo for More Great Pictures! Georgia Gilman, Rep. Joe Knollenberg & Rep. Ben Gilman