Sponsored by Nate’s Story and the Gloucester City Youth Soccer League, the fifth annual, family-friendly Head to Cleats festival on Sunday, April 26, highlighted the importance of mental and physical health and encouraged attendees to “break the stigma.”
With the theme of “Getting mentally and physically fit together,” Nate’s Story founder Michele Kidd began the proceedings by presenting the Keeptalking Award to Isabella Festa of Gloucester City, a counselor at a group home in Vineland, who then gave a powerful, heartfelt speech.
“Thank you Michele for the honor of asking me to speak. My name is Isabella, and I graduated with Nathaniel,” she said, referring to Michele’s son. “Losing a childhood friend to suicide changed my perspective in a way I can’t fully put into words.
“I can remember having my first panic attack in the fall of 2018 and not finding the courage to talk to someone until the following November. The silence made for a difficult year. Less than a month into therapy, Nathaniel’s passing opened up an important conversation about my own inner thoughts for the first time,” Festa said.
“By the end of the following year, I was committed to helping others find the courage to speak more openly, too. I am now a social worker and a therapist in a psychiatric group home for adolescent males, and I’m often reminded of the Nathaniel I sat across from in class, and my younger self that at times struggled to speak up.
“I often wondered what he and so many others have carried alone, and this thought deepened my commitment to this work. It reminded me that pain is often invisible; that the strongest, funniest, most caring people can be struggling quietly.
“That stigma keeps too many people from saying, ‘I’m not okay.’ This event and the organization Michele and his family has created in his name is powerful. It has turned grief into action and teaches our students, families, and entire community that mental health is health, and asking for help is strength.
“So I encourage that if we each leave here committed to speaking more openly about mental health, Nathaniel’s life continues to make a difference. Thank you for being here to help break the stigma,” Festa said.
The plaque she received stated: “Nate’s Story Keeptalking Award is proudly presented to Isabella Festa in recognition of your outstanding dedication and contribution for promoting mental health awareness. Your compassion, empathy and tireless efforts have been instrumental in advocating our message. Thank You!”
After the awards ceremony, the music for the afternoon began at the Betsy Ross Pavilion – featuring Zephyr Giberson, Modern Moja, Mini Mojo and Soy Boyz at 5 p.m. Attendees also browsed the many vendor tables, visited the beer garden and checked out the Jeep show.
Activities for children included the kids’ zone, inflatables, a balloon artist and Henna tattoos.
“The 5th Annual Head to Cleats Festival was a huge success. After a rough weekend of weather, we made it without rain, a little chill in the air, to finally the sun shining and blue skies,” Kidd said.
“The temps may have kept some away but for every person who showed up today and made the best of it, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. To every sponsor, volunteer, those who donated, purchased, attended, and is dedicated to Nate’s Story, we are forever grateful,” continued Kidd, who recently published a book, “Nate’s Story: Told Through a Mother’s Grief and Survival,” that is available on Amazon.
“Our entertainment and performers, you are truly a gift of talent we are grateful for. Allegiance Jeep Club, you are a positive addition to our festival and we thank you for your involvement and generosity,” Kidd said. “Thank you to our dedicated vendors who showed up today. You are without a doubt amazing. Our 5th year was a true testament of how amazing our supporters are. Thank you each of you for your support and dedication.”
Nate’s Story, a non-profit organization, aims to help break the stigma surrounding grief, trauma and mental health through support, guidance, education and perseverance.
