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HARRISBURG, Pa., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Pennsylvania (NAMI PA) is pleased to unveil plans for the second annual Cherry Blossom Ball to take place April 2nd at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. The event, open to the public, will include a one-of-a-kind celebration with a special cocktail reception featuring special guest Executive Chef and Restaurateur Michael Schulson, dinner dance featuring the award-winning Philadelphia band Big Ric Rising, as well as a silent auction.

NAMI PA welcomes one of Philadelphia's most exclusive chef's, Michael Schulson as a special guest to this year's Ball. Chef Schulson is the charismatic chef and owner of Izakaya in Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel, as well as the renowned Sampan in Philadelphia. In addition, he was star of TLC's Ultimate Cake Off and the Style Network's show Pantry Raid. NAMI PA is proud to have Chef Schulson make an appearance at this year's Gala as well as create a special cocktail in honor of this year's event, the Cherry Blossom Martini. In addition, Chef Schulson will spotlight the Cherry Blossom Martini at his restaurant, Sampan, during the week of April 4th in a continued effort to raise awareness of mental illness.

The Cherry Blossom Ball is a culmination of efforts of leading Pennsylvania businesses, government officials, behavioral health executives and professionals, as well as outstanding private citizens. Senators Pat Toomey and Robert P. Casey, Jr. serve for the second year on the Ball's Honorary Committee along with other prominent community leaders from the region. Both Senators have a history of supporting families and consumers who have mental illness.