> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Stepping up for mental illness
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/stepping-up-for-mental-illness/
- Published: 2004-08-21T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T04:54:15.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Events, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

To recognize 20 years in Santa Monica, community members are planning to step up with fundraising.

Step Up on Second is celebrating 20 years of providing assistance to individuals suffering from mental illness with the charity fundraising event “Art Heals,” a group display of member artwork at the Lowe Gallery in Santa Monica, 2034 Broadway on Sept. 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“The art show will highlight some of the gifted talents of our participants, all of whom are living with a diagnosed mental illness,” said Tod Lipka, CEO. More than 30 pieces of art will be on display, created by members through the “Art Heals” program at the Second Street facility.

The display, with additional client artwork, will then be moved to the Community Focus Gallery inside Santa Monica Place, to be on display to the public for a month.

The champagne reception for honored guests and event sponsors will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the catered event, with dessert provided by Loew’s Hotel, will begin at 7:15 p.m. Several of the artists will be at the reception, and there will be a wine bar, live jazz and valet parking.

Step Up on Second is a nonprofit corporation that assists individuals with severe and persistent mental illness reintegrate into the community. The agency provides long-term support to people in recovery and their families, offering educational, social and work programs, quality housing, and shower and laundry facilities, in addition to a daily meal program.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 21, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/082104.pdf?ref=smdp.com)