A stormy night could not dampen the excitement and generosity inside Leidos global headquarters on May 5 in Reston.
Nearly 160 George Mason University friends, donors, alumni, faculty, and staff gathered for the eighth annual Food for Thought presented by George Mason’s Center for Community Mental Health (CCMH), which provides critical mental health services to children, teens, adults, and veterans in the Northern Virginia region.
The annual fundraiser and silent auction raised more than $145,000 in support of mental health services thanks to donations, contributions, and sponsorships before and during the event.
“Our center’s goal is simple but powerful: train the next generation of behavioral health providers and make evidence-based mental health services accessible to everyone,” CCMH director Robyn Mehlenbeck said. “Food for Thought is about working together to expand access— to make mental health care available to everyone, regardless of background, language, or income.”
ABC7’s senior meteorologist Brian van de Graaff, BA Speech Communication ’97, emceed the event.
“In my role at ABC7, I see our community, and the needs of our community, up close every day,” van de Graaff said. “There continues to be a strong and growing need for the center’s services. And an important part in gathering support for the center is sharing the critical role they serve in our community.”
In addition, Washington Commanders executive chef Connor McGuire participated as celebrity chef speaker and addressed how food fuels both physical and mental health.
“Just like food can nourish our bodies and create comfort, stress can sneak in and unravel all of that in an instant,” McGuire said. “The neural pathways involved in mood and emotion are deeply connected to how we experience hunger and cravings…every choice you make with food blends both body and mind.”
The event included inspirational stories from individuals who have experienced firsthand the impact of the center.
“In honor of my late husband, Sgt Scotty Dale McCall Jr.,” said Theresa McCall, a CCMH client, “I am here to let you know, the work the Center for Community Mental Health is doing is changing lives. I am one of the fortunate people who somehow got here and found resolve...your donations allow veterans and their families to have a voice through the work the center provides.”
Food for Thought proceeds will help provide free community health programs, free emotional support, free and very low-cost therapies, and testing services, as well as family psychological support.
The CCMH is grateful to Food for Thought’s presenting sponsor and host, Leidos, for their ongoing partnership and commitment to strengthening mental health resources for those who need it most.
The success of this event is also made possible through the individuals, corporations, foundations, nonprofits, and our Circle of Champions who serve as sponsors, donors, and advocates.
The Center for Community Mental Health is housed within the Department of Psychology, part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) at George Mason University. As one of the largest colleges at George Mason, CHSS stands ready to help students create the changes that will make our communities a better place. The college’s dual focus on teaching and research offers a distinctive higher purpose in preparing students with the research, critical analysis, and communication skills they need to excel in a broad range of careers in our global, knowledge-based economy and in their lives as engaged citizens.
The CCMH Emotional Help Line provides free, anonymous, confidential support in English (703-215-1898) and Spanish (703-914-3878). The line is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
May 09, 2025