Lisa Alcala is passionate about dispelling the stigma that is sometimes attached to mental health, especially among young people. "A thing I really feel is important is educating children in school that mental health is a medical issue," said Lisa. "(Having a mental health issue) doesn't mean you're different. It just means you have something that needs to be treated."
Lisa, who owns The Shack Restaurant & Mini Golf, 662 S. Oak St., Manheim, with her husband, Ray, believes that treatment for a mental health issue should not be viewed any differently than needing vision correction. "If you have an eye problem, you go to the doctor to get glasses," she said. "I think kids need to hear that (connection) a lot. It makes it real."
Back in February, Lisa contacted Mental Health America of Lancaster County (MHALC) to see how she could help promote an enhanced understanding of mental health in children and teenagers. One result of that connection will be a Mini Golf Tournament held at The Shack on Saturday, Sept. 19. All funds raised by the tournament, which can accommodate a total of 76 players, will go to MHALC to help promote mental health through advocacy, education, and support. Golfers may check in for the tournament at 9:30 a.m. that day. The tournament will start at 10 a.m. A heavy rain date has been set for Saturday, Sept. 26.
According to Lisa, the 19-hole course has been called "the most challenging course in Lancaster County." "The best score here has been a 58," she said, noting that most people score in the 80s.
The tournament will be in a scramble format with a shotgun start. "A shotgun start is when everybody is assigned a hole, and they all start at the same time," said Lisa. "(Players) keep their ball and finish all the holes." She also explained that in a scramble, all the players play from the best spot. "Everyone moves their ball to that spot (after the first shot)," she said. Prizes will include trophies and cash for the top three players and a closest-to-the-hole prize. "We will pick a hole and someone will be out there to measure who is closest on the first shot," Lisa said. There will also be door prizes and opportunities to purchase meal packages ahead of the tournament day.
Some of the sponsors for the tournament include Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc.; Kegel's Produce; Cain's Lanes; Border Magic of Lancaster; Kinetics of Windstream; and Kreider Farms. In addition, Kreider Farms has donated mugs, shirts, and hats, and Cain's Lanes has donated bowling games for door prizes. "If anyone from the community has door prizes to donate, they can reach out (to us)," said Lisa.
Lisa noted that she has always had a strong desire to get involved with MHALC in some capacity. "My life has been touched by (mental health issues) in multiple areas," she shared. "I just feel like it's an underrepresented cause." Lisa sees the tournament as an opportunity to raise awareness. "I don't think people realize all the resources they have for people with mental health issues," she stated.
A former educator, Lisa was also involved in an MHALC focus group that she hopes will be working with area schools. "(The group) had some great ideas about introducing curriculum and ways to reach students," she said.
Individuals and teams of two to four players may register by searching for "The Shack Restaurant & Mini Golf" on Facebook and purchasing tickets for the Benefit Mini Golf Tournament. More information about the course may be found at http://www.theshackmanheim.com. Readers who have questions may call 717-664-2250.
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