ARDX Foundation

Norfolk, VA September 6, 2018 – The ARDX Foundation is excited to announce Darryl “DMC” McDaniels as their keynote speaker during the 11^th Annual Women’s Wellness Celebration, held on Friday, October 26^th, 2018 at the Chesapeake Conference Center.

McDaniels, who is most well known as a founding member of pioneering hip-hop trio Run-DMC, has been profoundly open about his personal journey with mental health issues, including addiction, depression, and recovery. In his riveting memoir, “Ten Ways Not to Commit Suicide,” McDaniels addresses the many reasons that led him—and thousands of others—to consider suicide. Some of the factors include not being true to who you are, feelings of loneliness, isolation, and alienation, and a lack of understanding and support from friends and family when it’s needed most.

“We are immensely honored to have Darryl “DMC” McDaniels provide the women of our community a male’s perspective as it pertains to mental health and wellness,” states Angela D. Reddix, President and CEO of ARDX and Board President of the ARDX Foundation.  “Over the past decade of the Women’s Wellness Celebration we understand how powerful telling our stories can be to one another. By diversifying our message, we are able to peel back the layers allowing us to dig deeper, hear deeper, and feel deeper in order to make real change in the way we see, deal, and heal mental health within ourselves and for those whom we love.”

This year’s conference, sponsored by TowneBank, will feature various engaging breakout sessions focused on mental wellness initiatives, as well as a new 3-hour training dedicated to caregivers. Attendees will also have the opportunity browse through the Exhibitor Expo, featuring local businesses and resources dedicated to Mental Wellness.

“TowneBank is honored to once again sponsor the ARDX Foundation’s Annual Women’s Wellness Conference,” states Michelle Butler, Senior Vice President, Private Banking for TowneBank. “We support the ARDX Foundation in their commitment to promoting wellness for women of all ages. The 11th Annual Conference will focus on Continuing the Conversation on Mental Wellness and will be an excellent opportunity to learn from community leaders and mental health experts.”

Registration for the 11^th Annual Women’s Wellness Celebration is now open! For more details about the ARDX Foundation’s initiatives and to register for the Women’s Wellness Celebration, visit the ARDX Foundation website (www.ardxfoundation.org), or follow @ARDXFoundation and the #ARDXFoundation hashtag on social media.

About Darryl “DMC” McDaniels

Darryl “DMC” McDaniels is co-founder of the legendary group, Run-DMC: – selling over 40 million albums and changing music history.  In 2014 he started his comic book company, Darryl Makes Comics. In 2016 he released a top-selling autobiography, “Ten Ways Not to Commit Suicide;” and in November 2017 he put out a limited-edition vinyl EP in advance of his upcoming solo album.

In 2006 DMC co-founded the Felix Organization, a non-profit that works to enrich the lives of children in the foster care system. He is a 2009 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a 2016 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and has received numerous awards for his philanthropic work. www.thekingdmc.com / TMA / 609-383-2323

About ARDX Foundation

Shining a Light on Mental Wellness

At the ARDX Foundation, our goal is to shine a light on the importance of mental and behavioral wellness and to serve as advocates, partners, educators, mentors, and change agents. We believe in the power of volunteer service and are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable populations, including women, youth, and the elderly living in disadvantaged communities.

We are committed to creating initiatives and providing resources that transform the lives of women and their families, enabling them to make their own mental wellness a top priority.

The ARDX Foundation is inspired by the work of ARDX President and CEO Angela D. Reddix, a strong advocate for and the founder of numerous community outreach programs.

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Norfolk, VA November 22, 2017– On November 28, 2017 the ARDX Foundation will join the #GivingTuesday movement, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.

#GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the US) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick-off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

“Since our inception, the ARDX Foundation’s focus has been to shine a light on mental wellness,” states Angela D. Reddix, Founder and Board Chair of the ARDX Foundation.  “Mental health is a growing epidemic in our country and it will continue to be until we begin to have real, open conversations about it – and these conversations must initiate in the home. During #GivingTuesday, we are excited to begin our end-of-year fundraising campaign to support the Foundation’s newest program in 2018, The Mental Wellness Educational Seminars. These seminars will teach women (who are the head of our households) how to start having open conversations with their families, to start transcending the stigma surrounding mental health, and to begin to create healthy mental wellness initiatives for generations to come.”

Collaborating with mental health experts from within the Hampton Roads community, the ARDX Foundation will hold on-site, quarterly seminars focused on detecting the signs of mental health, how to start having open conversations, and creating proactive mental wellness initiatives. Your support on #GivingTuesday will allow ARDX Foundation to provide these seminars at no cost to the community.

Join the ARDX Foundation this #GivingTuesday, as we continue to shine a light on mental wellness and create a community that is transcending the stigma surrounding mental health for generations to come. To donate, visit us at  www.ardxfoundation.org/donate.

For more details about the ARDX Foundations initiatives, visit the ARDX Foundation website (www.ardxfoundation.org), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ardxfoundation), or follow @ARDXFoundation and the #ARDXFoundation hashtag on social media.

About ARDX Foundation

Shining a Light on Mental Wellness

At the ARDX Foundation, our goal is to shine a light on the importance of mental and behavioral wellness and to serve as advocates, partners, educators, mentors, and change agents. We believe in the power of volunteer service and are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable populations, including women, youth, and the elderly living in disadvantaged communities.

We are committed to creating initiatives and providing resources that transform the lives of women and their families, enabling them to make their own mental wellness a top priority.

The ARDX Foundation is inspired by the work of ARDX President and CEO Angela D. Reddix, a strong advocate for and the founder of numerous community outreach programs.

About #GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. This year, #GivingTuesday falls on November 28. #GivingTuesday harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners
to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season. It inspires people to take collective action to improve their communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they believe in, and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday demonstrates how every act of generosity counts, and that they mean even more when we give together.

Media Contact
Keri DeSalvo
Director of Marketing
757.333.6638
keri.desalvo@ardx.net
www.ardxfoundation.org

www.facebook.com/ardxfoundation
www.twitter.com/ardxfoundation
www.instagram.com/ardxfoundation

Norfolk, VA September 7, 2017- The ARDX Foundation is honored to have Karen E. Osborne, philanthropist and author of “Getting It Right,” keynote this year’s 10^th Annual Women’s Wellness Celebration held on Friday, October 20, 2017 at the Chesapeake Conference Center.

“We are thrilled to have Karen as this year’s 10^th Annual Women’s Wellness Celebration Luncheon Keynote,” states Penny Sanchez, Executive Director for the ARDX Foundation. “Her passion of storytelling to depict her extraordinary journey to mental wellness is absolutely captivating, and one I know our attendees will be inspired by.” 

​In her recently acclaimed novel, “Getting It Right,” which was declared a “2017 summer must-read” by Essence Magazine, this novel explores grit and resilience, evolving definitions of race and family, and the ultimate power of redemption and forgiveness.

For forty-two years, like her protagonist Kara in “Getting It Right,” Karen suffered the consequences of childhood sexual abuse, before finding a therapist who helped navigate her healing journey.  During these years of gut-wrenching work, Karen freed secrets and worked through their aftermath.  Along the way, she met dozens of other survivors and explored their narratives, motivations, successes, and setbacks – ultimately learning the restorative power of generosity, gratitude, redemption, and forgiveness.

Held on Friday, October 20, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Chesapeake Conference Center, the conference will kick-off with an opening reception breakfast, followed by empowering breakout sessions, an inspirational luncheon featuring keynote speaker Karen E. Osborne, and an exhibitor expo showcasing various wellness resources available within our community.

“The ARDX Foundation has a vision to improve the health and well-being of some of our most vulnerable citizens – women, children, and the elderly,” states Michelle S. Butler, TowneBank Senior Vice President. “TowneBank is supporting the ARDX Foundation in this vital outreach by being the Conference Sponsor for this year’s 10th Annual Women’s Wellness Conference.”

For more information on this year’s conference and to register, please visit www.ardxfoundation.org. As a previous WWC attendee simply stated, “It is almost impossible to put into words the feeling you will have during and after the conference – it was indeed life changing,” M. Jenkins.

About ARDX Foundation

Shining a Light on Mental Wellness

At the ARDX Foundation, our goal is to shine a light on the importance of mental and behavioral wellness and to serve as advocates, partners, educators, mentors, and change agents. We believe in the power of volunteer service and are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable populations, including women, youth, and the elderly living in disadvantaged communities.

We are committed to creating initiatives and providing resources that transform the lives of women and their families, enabling them to make their own mental wellness a top priority.

The ARDX Foundation is inspired by the work of ARDX President and CEO Angela D. Reddix, a strong advocate for and the founder of numerous community outreach programs.

About TowneBank

When TowneBank was founded in 1999, a core part of its mission was to promote the social, cultural and economic well-being of the community. The bank opened with just three locations.  Today, TowneBank has grown to 37 offices with $8.2 billion in assets.  As TowneBank Chairman and CEO, Bob Aston shares, “Serving others and enriching lives represents the foundation of all that we do here at Towne.”  Since 1999, TowneBank and the TowneBank Foundation have generously contributed $42.5 million in cumulative community support.

About Karen E. Osborne

Karen is an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University’s Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.  She founded The Osborne Group, a philanthropy and organizational management consulting firm, now run by her son, Robert Osborne, Jr.

​Awarded for excellence as a motivational speaker and trainer, she is the recipient of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s Crystal Apple for public speaking and the Ashmore Award for Outstanding Service.  Karen serves on the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation Board.

Media Contact
Keri DeSalvo
Director of Marketing
757.333.6638
keri.desalvo@ardx.net
www.ardxfoundation.org

www.facebook.com/ardxfoundation
www.twitter.com/ardxfoundation
www.instagram.com/ardxfoundation

Norfolk, VA August 22, 2017- Its official…registration for the 10^th Annual Women’s Wellness Celebration (WWC) is now open! This year’s celebration will be held on Friday, October 20, 2017 from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Chesapeake Conference Center.

Inspired by the amazing response and turnout from last year’s conference, which focused on Mental Wellness, this year’s theme is “Continuing the Conversation…Mental Wellness Matters!” Hosted by the ARDX Foundation, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to shining a light on mental wellness for women and their families, and with the unwavering support from TowneBank as this year’s Conference Sponsor, the 10^th Annual WWC will continue in their decade long tradition of educating and empowering women to make healthy life choices for themselves and their families.

“The vision of this year’s conference is to provide women within the Hampton Roads community an opportunity to recognize the signs and help transcend the stigma surrounding mental health for themselves, their families, and generations to come,” states Penny Sanchez, ARDX Foundation Executive Director. “This conference continues to drive the ARDX Foundation’s goal in building a supportive community that is proactively creating and providing mental wellness initiatives.”

Kicking-off with an opening reception breakfast, the conference will feature various engaging breakout sessions focused on mental wellness initiatives, as well as special sessions dedicated for our military families. Some of this year’s session topics include: Cyberbullying, Substance Abuse, Suicide, Autism Spectrum, Postpartum Depression, Deployment & Re-Entry Stress, PTSD, Self-Care and Chronic Health Conditions. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in our inspiring luncheon, as well as browse through the Exhibitor Expo, featuring local businesses and resources dedicated to Mental Wellness.

“TowneBank is honored to sponsor the 10th Annual Women’s Wellness Conference,” states Dawn Glynn, President and Regional Executive Officer of TowneBank. “We join the ARDX Foundation in their commitment to promoting wellness for women of all ages. This conference is an excellent opportunity for women to gain knowledge about mental wellness initiatives.”

To take advantage of the Early Bird Registration rate of $25, please visit www.ardxfoundation.org, to secure your spot. As a previous WWC attendee simply stated, “It is almost impossible to put into words the feeling you will have during and after the conference – it was indeed life changing,” M. Jenkins.

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 About ARDX Foundation

Shining a Light on Mental Wellness

At the ARDX Foundation, our goal is to shine a light on the importance of mental and behavioral wellness and to serve as advocates, partners, educators, mentors, and change agents. We believe in the power of volunteer service and are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable populations, including women, youth, and the elderly living in disadvantaged communities.

We are committed to creating initiatives and providing resources that transform the lives of women and their families, enabling them to make their own mental wellness a top priority.

The ARDX Foundation is inspired by the work of ARDX President and CEO Angela D. Reddix, a strong advocate for and the founder of numerous community outreach programs.

About TowneBank

When TowneBank was founded in 1999, a core part of its mission was to promote the social, cultural and economic well-being of the community. The bank opened with just three locations.  Today, TowneBank has grown to 37 offices with $8.2 billion in assets.  As TowneBank Chairman and CEO, Bob Aston shares, “Serving others and enriching lives represents the foundation of all that we do here at Towne.”  Since 1999, TowneBank and the TowneBank Foundation have generously contributed $42.5 million in cumulative community support.

Media Contact
Keri DeSalvo
Director of Marketing
757.333.6638
info@ardxfoundation.org 
www.ardxfoundation.org

www.facebook.com/ardxfoundation
www.twitter.com/ardxfoundation
www.instagram.com/ardxfoundation

NORFOLK, VA.  June 13, 2017.  On May 19^th, 2017 the ARDX Foundation held its inaugural May Mental Wellness Awareness Event to kick-off their mental wellness initiatives here in the Hampton Roads Community. With a mission of “Shining a Light on Mental Wellness,” and a specific focus on women and their families, the event brought in nearly 100 community leaders, advocates, and individuals who are passionately trying to change the story on how mental wellness is addressed. And a story they did tell…

Appropriately themed “What would you do if you knew my story?,” the ARDX Foundation shared the stories of three women and young girls who have dealt with common mental health challenges, including postpartum depression, caregiver depression, and suicide. Through the art of storytelling, the ARDX Foundation Board Members spoke openly about the stigma placed on those suffering with mental health, particularly women and young girls. Most importantly, they told their story on how the ARDX Foundation can help transcend the stigma surrounding mental health and create a supportive community that is proactively creating mental wellness initiatives.

“The ARDX Foundation continues to collaborate with other organizations to shine a light on mental wellness for Hampton Roads. Our programs are designed to build awareness, educate, engage, and integrate the resources that are available in our community so that we can all continue the focus on our own mental wellness,” said Executive Director of the Foundation, Penny Sanchez.

In keeping with this strong momentum the ARDX Foundation is already in the planning phase of several summer programs, including a Minority Mental Health Awareness Month recognition, our START internship program, and various educational webinars.

The ARDX Foundation is also excited to officially announce the 10^th Annual Women’s Wellness Celebration Conference, which will take place on Friday, October 20, 2017 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  This year’s theme “Continuing the Conversation, Mental Wellness Matters!,” will feature sessions dedicated to empowering mental wellness initiatives for women of all ages, as well as special sessions dedicated for our military families.

For more information on the ARDX Foundation and to learn more about our upcoming programs and events, visit the ARDX Foundation website today to stay connected at www.ardxfoundation.org.

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Media Contact
Keri DeSalvo
Director of Marketing
757.333.6638
info@ardxfoundation.org 
www.ardxfoundation.org

www.facebook.com/ardxfoundation
www.twitter.com/ardxfoundation
www.instagram.com/ardxfoundation