Howie Mandel to be keynote speaker for return of Hope Gala
Pathstone Mental Health fundraiser returns to Niagara Falls Nov. 3
Howie Mandel will be part of Pathstone Mental Health’s Hope Gala when the fundraiser returns after a three-year hiatus on Nov. 3.
The 11th edition of the event will take place at Niagara Fallsview Casino’s Grand Ballroom, with Mandel discussing his personal and at times crippling mental-health journey.
Previous guest speakers at the Hope Gala have included Richard Dreyfuss, Henry Winkler, Chantal Kreviazuk and Margaret Trudeau.
Mandel has become a fixture in Niagara Falls recently. He’s not only a judge on “Canada’s Got Talent,” which has filmed both seasons at Fallsview Casino’s two theatres, but was given the key to the city last year by Mayor Jim Diodati.
Pathstone Mental Health is the Niagara region’s primary provider of mental-health care for children.
“I’m honoured to have been asked to be their keynote speaker, because talking about mental health gives strength to others,” said Mandel in a videotaped statement released Monday.
Mandel’s 40-year career has ranged from film, children’s shows and standup specials. Over the past decade he has been a judge on “America’s Got Talent” and was a key part of “Canada’s Got Talent” resuming after a long hiatus.
The show’s first season was filmed at Fallsview’s Avalon Theatre while the second season moved to the new OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino. The season finale airs live from the venue May 16.
Over the years, Mandel has been open about his obsessive-compulsive disorder, which includes a severe fear of germs. It is what prompts him to “fist bump” people — including contestants on his game shows — instead of shaking hands.
Mandel has said he has battled the condition since childhood but only had it diagnosed as an adult.
Pathstone’s event, which includes a four-course dinner, will be emceed by 610 CKTB’s Tim Denis.
“It was important for us to come back with the Hope Gala this year, not only to make it a night of celebrating how far we have come through some of the toughest years, but also to revive the conversation and action around mental health,” said Pathstone director of fundraising and communications Kim Rossi.
“Howie Mandel is the perfect example of how someone can not just survive but thrive when talking openly about their mental health,” she added.
Tickets are $250 per person or $2,500 for a table of 10, including all taxes and fees. To order visit shop.pathstonefoundation.ca.