In the past it was a subject to be avoided, and those afflicted suffered even more because of that. The tragedy of mental illness is more prevalent than one might expect, and effects many more people than we realize.

The Todd Thomas Foundation, headquartered in Scottsdale, was founded last year by Town of Paradise Valley resident Peter Thomas to honor the life of his son, Todd.

The foundation's goal is to raise awareness of the magnitude of mental illness and the effect it has on individuals as well as society, to erase the stigma associated with it and to fund facilities and organizations for effective treatments.

The foundation held its first fundraising event at the Four Seasons Resort in North Scottsdale on Jan. 19. The event raised more than $1 million for the foundation.

"The intent of the event was for everyone to experience an evening filled with enjoyment, laughter and love, but most importantly, the common goal was to help those suffering from mental issues," said Rita Thomas, executive director of the Todd Thomas Foundation. Mrs. Thomas shares her husband's commitment to helping others.

Mr. Thomas' son Todd took his own life on Feb. 1 2000 by leaping from the 14th floor of the New York Plaza Hotel. Todd was a gifted artist and spiritual individual. He had severe sleeping disorder and over the years was diagnosed as manic-depressive, bipolar, chemically imbalanced, and even schizophrenic.

"The truth is, Todd's illness was never accurately diagnosed. He took an assortment of pills until each prescription became ineffective. In his anguish, he lost hope," Mr. Thomas said.

During the fund-raiser, guest speaker Dale Irvin conducted a survey by asking the audience questions relating to mental health issues. Each guest was given a hand-held computer to answer these questions, the results of which immediately appeared in video screens displayed in the ballroom.

The participants were astounded by the results of the survey:
1. Of 241 people who responded 30 percent were struggling with depression;
2. Of 239 people who responded 74 percent had someone in their immediate family struggling with depression;
3. Of 235 people who responded 71 percent personally knew someone who had attempted suicide;
4. Of 240 people who responded 68 percent personally knew someone who had to commit suicide;
5. Of 250 people who responded 7 percent had attempted to commit suicide.

This survey really impacted the audience and made them realize the prevalence of mental illness in our society today.

David Foster provided the entertainment for the evening. Mr. Foster is a 14-time Grammy Award winner who has won the Producer of the Year award three times. Ed McMahon joined Mr. Foster on stage to introduce a "Next Big Star" competition among seven young stars flown in for the evening.

Each performed one song and the audience voted for the winners.

The foundation will continue to raise awareness of mental health issues, as well as continue to raise funds to reach its goal.

Janssen Pharmaceutica, a pharmaceutical research foundation, contributed a $50,000 aware to be presented to the person who has done the most to increase the awareness of mental health. Over the next year, the Todd Thomas Foundation will actively search for a high-profile person to represent the foundation in this capacity.

World-renowned glass sculptor and painter Dale Chihuley was a major contributor of the evening and donated 50 percent of funds generated by sales of his work. Select pieces are still available and interested parties can call 480-483-6818. For more information about the foundation, visit their web site at www.toddthomasfoundation.org.