The event aims to raise awareness around mental health and wellness in the community.

Organizer Jennifer Sanders says the annual event began after the pandemic.

“We did a whole campaign in our corporation called the ONE Campaign, which is where one day in the sun came from. And the point of it was just to point out that one person can make a difference. So one kind word, one smile, one hug, you know, can really make a difference in somebody’s life,” Sanders said.

Sanders says not only does the event aim to raise awareness for peoples personal mental health, they want to use the day to connect the community with various resources they can use in a mental health crisis.

“There’s just a lot of different organizations, and they all have a fun hands on activity to help you come and interact with them, and then while you’re interacting with them, the hope is that you’re going to learn a little bit more about what’s going on in the community,” Sanders said.

A sponsor of the event, the Mishawaka Education Foundations executive director says that by hosting events like these it can decrease the stigma surrounding asking for help.

“I think just getting the word out, letting other agencies that help people have mental stability come to this event, having more of our community realize there’s no stigma in admitting you might need a little help,” Jane Wright said.

those looking for mental health resources can find those