This year, Bash for Guild is back under a new name, Bash for Mental Health! Bash is a unique, intentionally-designed fundraising event that combines nostalgia, inclusivity, and fun to create a safe and welcoming space for individuals to come as they are and support mental health services.
Inspiration and Concept
The inspiration behind Bash for Mental Health stems from the idea that games and shared fun activities can serve as a valuable escape from the challenges of mental health. The event centers joy and connection—two powerful forces to boost mental wellness. The goal was to create an event that brings together people from all walks of life in a safe and welcoming environment where every individual’s presence supports critical services for vulnerable community members. Community Engagement Director, Heather Hammond, has been planning events for over a decade. About the inspiration for Bash, Heather said, “This isn’t an event you need to go find a formal outfit for or feel out of place and need to mask just to make it through. This is a fun, celebratory event! Yes, mental health is real. The stigma surrounding it can be deadly. Everyone deserves a fun night where they can come exactly as they are and build the community to radically lean in and support fellow Minnesotans.”
Inclusive and Welcoming Space
Bash for Mental Health is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity. It provides a space where all intersectionalities are not only welcomed but valued. Attendees are encouraged to come as they are, be it attire-wise or in terms of their unique backgrounds and experiences. The event aims to create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and accepted, breaking down the barriers that often accompany discussions about mental health and reimagining what a fundraiser looks like.
Nostalgic Vibes
Nostalgia is an integral part of Bash for Mental Health. By incorporating elements of nostalgia, such as unlimited, free retro games and familiar cultural references, the event taps into the collective memories of attendees, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This nostalgic ambiance not only evokes feelings of joy but also serves as a reminder of the power of shared experiences in building strong connections and support networks.
This Year’s Highlights
This year’s Bash for Mental Health promises to be an even more exciting and accessible event. Attendees can look forward to a more affordable ticket price, which includes various offerings such as food, unlimited free gameplay, Trivia Mafia, performances by Flip Phone Events performers Sasha Cassadine and Domita Sanchez, and a live DJ queenDuin. Additionally, each ticket grants two drink tickets, with non-alcoholic and alcoholic options available. Games include favorites like Pac-Man, Tetris, Frogger, Skee Ball, Big Buck Hunter, and Nascar Racing.
More Than Your Average Fundraiser
What sets Bash for Mental Health apart from traditional nonprofit fundraisers is its emphasis on inclusivity, authenticity, and community building. Unlike many events that require formal attire and may leave attendees feeling out of place, Bash for Mental Health is a fun, celebratory gathering that embraces the notion of accepting oneself and others without judgment. By purchasing a ticket, individuals not only have a great time but also contribute to supporting a great cause.
Come Have a Blast at Bash!
Bash for Mental Health is an extraordinary event that combines the power of shared fun, inclusivity, and community support to break the stigma surrounding mental health. It serves as a reminder that mental health is a real issue, and its impact can be devastating. By attending Bash for Mental Health, you have the opportunity to come exactly as you are, have a great time, and build a community that rallies together to support mental health services.
Get your tickets today and we’ll meet you at the pinball machine!