PARAMUS, N.J.– The Paramus-based Care Plus Foundation will honor four individuals and businesses that have exhibited courage in addressing the needs of the mentally ill. The Foundation's annual Courage Award will be presented at a dinner at the Venetian in Garfield, N.J., on June 22.

The Care Plus Foundation is a non-profit corporation dedicated to mental health issues. It provides public education, program development, community relations and fundraising support to Care Plus NJ, Inc., which offers comprehensive mental health services to those in need in northern New Jersey.

The theme of this year's dinner is "A Brighter World for Mental Health," and a silent auction and live band will be part of the festivities. Proceeds from the dinner, journal and auction will benefit the Bernard Dubnick Scholarship Fund, which assists clients in returning to school, and the Ozzie Kwartler Medication Fund, which assists clients with medication. The Foundation will also use proceeds to help clients move into independent living and to provide community education.

"Too often, individuals dealing with mental illness are pushed to the fringes of our society," said Linda Hausdorff, Executive Director of the Foundation. "The Courage Awards recognize individuals and corporations that have worked diligently to fulfill the needs of the mentally ill by supplying educational, medical or financial support. They are the heroes of our community and we honor them with pride."

2006 Courage Award recipients include: Betty Lou Smith, Hunter Douglas; Frank Coppola, Columbia Bank; Tara Augustine, Care Plus NJ, Inc.; and Dr. Ann V. Guillory, Felician College.

Care Plus NJ clients who are attending college with the help of one of the Foundation's scholarships will also be honored at the dinner.

Information on tickets to the event, sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals, and the work of Care Plus NJ, Inc. and the Foundation can be obtained by contacting Linda Hausdorff at 201 986 5070. The Care Plus Foundation is a 501c(3) non-profit corporation.

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The Care Plus Foundation, located in Paramus, New Jersey, is a charitable non-profit corporation dedicated to providing the community with information related to mental health issues.

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