This Valentine’s Day will see a very different event that will not just help spark conversation on a night out, but help an organization seeking to assist those dealing with mental-health issues.
Unconventional Love Stories will be the inaugural presentation of select authors from the book Brainstorm Revolution telling their stories of dealing with the storms created by mental health.
The creators of this event, Natalie Harris and Heather Down, began the non-profit organization Brainstorm Revolution and the Feb. 14 event will show that love encompasses more than just the romantic.
Down told BarrieToday that this unique show may seem like an out of the ordinary date night, but it really isn’t.
“From friendship to parent, to child, to nature, to pet, to self, love comes in many different guises,” said Down. “This night of storytelling and multimedia is unlike any other presentation. It is entertaining, informative, and most importantly all about love.
"The evening is the perfect fit for a date night, or not. It is unconventional, after all If you are looking for something new, fresh, unforgettable, poignant, funny, and different for Valentine's Day, this is for you.”
The show is raising money for a non-profit group, Brainstorm Revolution, whose mission is to raise awareness, educate and increase understanding of mental health through storytelling of lived experiences.
Down says she wanted to give people a platform to do this and the inaugural event does that.
“The inaugural performance at the Five Points Theatre will be lighter in nature, focussing on the positive. As it will not be a heavy evening,” said Down. “This is a very different and varied event. With a variety of speakers, music, and interaction, this will be an experience like no other. It will be authentic, raw, real, beautiful and, most of all, unconventional.”
While there will be T-shirts and hats on sale at the show to raise money to kickstart the mission of the group, the Brainstorm Revolution book will be available as well for $25.95.
Down believes while the book and show seem different and unique when it pertains to Valentine’s Day, it is a great way to help an issue which is more and more prevalent nowadays.
“In developing the book, we realized that the value in the stories was just as important for the writer as the reader,” said Down. “Several authors have podcasts, and listening to stories in their own voice is a very powerful way of understanding.
"Natalie and I had been talking about starting a non-profit for a while and finally took the plunge, asking Shelley Hofer, the mom of Zach Makes Tracks Zach Hofer, to round out our board of directors. We wanted to be able to help and fund those who are brave enough to tell their stories, especially in the arena of mental health. Thus, we decided to initiate the Brainstorm Revolution non-profit corporation for this very purpose. We felt that telling stories is the most impactful way to spread understanding.”
Unconventional Love Stories takes place Feb. 14 at the Five Points Theatre at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m.
The show costs $18 per person and tickets can be purchased here.
