Walk for Mental Health

The Jason Tennies Memorial Foundation will hold its first annual Chino Valley Walk for Mental Health on Saturday, May 14, to raise awareness and

funding for research into mental disorders, and to help erase the stigma associated with mental illness. The non-timed walk will be held at Ayala Park at 14225 Central Ave., Chino, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On- site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. Online registration is available at www.jasontennies.org for a tax-deductible donation of $10 for the walk only, or $20 for the walk, commemorative T-shirt and bracelet.

The event will include entertainment, food vendors, outreach support, speakers, and appearances by state Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod and Assemblyman Curt Hagman.

Some of the organizations at the walk will include the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD), Mental Health America (MHA), the National Alliance on

Mental Illness (NAMI), the Autism Society of America, The Alzheimer's Society, the San Bernardino Department of Mental Health Services, Behavioral Health, and the San

Bernardino Department of Veterans Affairs. All funds raised by the walk will go to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD).

For more information on the foundation and to pre-register for the walk, visit www.jasontennies.org. Donations may also be sent to P.O. Box 357, Chino Hills, CA

91709. All donations are payable to The Jason Tennies Memorial Foundation.

In addition, restaurant fundraisers for the foundation will be held at the following locations:

• Roscoe's Famous Deli: Tues., April 26, 5 p.m.- 9 p.m., 14700 Pipeline Ave., Chino Hills

• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Tues., May 17, 4585 Chino Hills Pkwy, Chino Hills

• Johnny Rockets at The Shoppes at Chino Hills: May 5-6, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The Foundation was formed in 2010 in memory of 20-year-old Jason Tennies, son of David and Linda Tennies of Chino Hills. Jason had no history of mental illness. He was struck by a car on Sept. 25, after suffering from a sudden and severe schizophrenic break. The Tennies' started the foundation to dispel the shame that is associated with mental illness, raise money for research and treatment, and create awareness of resources and programs to support those with mental disorders.