On Saturday, September 26, the inaugural You Matter Mental Health Awareness Festival, presented by BankSouth, will bring together local nonprofits, schools, churches, healthcare providers, recovery organizations, businesses, and residents at Madison’s Town Park for a day centered on hope, healing, education, and connection. The free community event will feature live music, inspiring speakers, survivor stories, food trucks, local vendors, and mental health resources for all ages.
For organizer Hollie Burris, the festival is deeply personal. Following the tragic loss of her husband in 2025, Burris felt called to create an event that could help others facing similar struggles.
Burris hopes the festival will encourage people to share their experiences without fear of judgment and remind everyone that they are not alone. Her vision is to create a supportive community where people feel comfortable talking about mental health, suicide awareness, and the challenges they face.
Burris has also been encouraged by the support of her BankSouth family. Several employees are volunteering their time and contributing to the festival through the bank’s $80 for 80 community giving initiative, celebrating BankSouth’s 80th anniversary.
The festival’s mission is simple but powerful: “To shine a light on mental health and suicide awareness because every life matters, every story deserves to be heard, and together, we can build a community where no one suffers in silence.”
Community response has already exceeded expectations, with more than two dozen vendors, nonprofits, businesses, churches, and community organizations committed to participating. Additional vendors continue to join as the event approaches. Sponsors include Spread Love of Georgia, Grace Fellowship Church Madison, Redeemer Church of Madison, and Fusion Church of Madison.
The You Matter Mental Health Awareness Festival will take place Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Town Park in Madison. Admission is free, and the event is open to all ages. Families, friends, and neighbors are encouraged to attend, discover local mental health resources, and help build a stronger, more supportive community.
