Wayne Author Celebrates Hope, Wellness, And Recovery At Upcoming Gala

WAYNE, NJ — A Wayne author will be one of the hosts of an upcoming gala focused on mental health advocacy and overall wellness, as she shares her own journey and struggles with self-image and self care.

The gala will be a re-launch of Ella Shae's novel "From Broken to Beautifully Broken" and also raise funds for Project Blackbird, which provides awareness and access to mental health resources for underserved populations.

Patch spoke with Shae about her book back in February, and she is preparing to launch an updated, interactive version. She and health coach Sabrina Cosentino will host "The Gala" on March 21, 2025 at The Rockleigh, which includes entertainment, food, a viewing of the short "Blackbird," and the chance to speak with wellness vendors.

Community members, mental health advocates, and anyone else interested in Shae's mission are welcome to attend.

Read the full news release below:

Join us for an inspiring evening dedicated to wellness at “The Gala” event, a night celebrating Hope, Health, and Happiness, on Friday, March 21, at 7:30 PM. The event will be held at The Rockleigh, located at 26 Paris Ave., Rockleigh, NJ. This special night will not only celebrate the relaunch of Ella Shae’s transformative novel, "From Broken to Beautifully Broken" but will also raise funds for Project Blackbird, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free mental health therapy.

This gala promises an enchanting evening filled with powerful storytelling, community connection, and a shared commitment to mental health advocacy. Elisa D’Amelio (Author Ella Shae) will host the event, sharing her journey and insights into the importance of mental wellness, while highlighting the mission behind her novel. Co-hosting will be Sabrina Cosentino, founder of Within by Sabrina, an integrative health coaching company which emphasizes wellness as a whole. Guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment, delicious food, and the opportunity to connect with vendors in the wellness space. There will also be a viewing of the award winning short, Blackbird, by Alexandra Milewich, which was recognized at Sundance and other prestigious film festivals. A portion of the proceeds will support Project Blackbird’s vital programs.

Project Blackbird is dedicated to de stigmatizing mental health by making therapy more accessible for underserved populations and students. Their mission is to connect individuals with local resources and provide free therapy for a year, helping them embark on their journey toward recovery. Through a comprehensive resource fair, educational workshops, and community outreach, Project Blackbird aims to create a safer environment for conversations around mental health.

“From Broken to Beautifully Broken” is a poignant exploration of resilience and healing, reflecting the struggles many face in their pursuit of mental wellness. Ella Shae’s work resonates deeply with those who have experienced their own challenges, and the relaunch of this novel serves as a beacon of hope for readers and supporters alike.

Tickets for the gala are available for purchase on www.ellashae.com. We invite community members, mental health advocates, and anyone passionate about fostering hope and healing to join us for this significant evening.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, March 21
• Time: 7:30 PM
• Location: The Rockleigh
• Address: 26 Paris Ave., Rockleigh, NJ
• Beneficiary: Project Blackbird
• Tickets: www.ellashae.com

Let us come together to celebrate resilience, support mental health initiatives, and embrace the message that even when we feel broken, we can become beautifully whole.

For more information about the event or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Elisa D’Amelio at info@ellashae.com.

About the Author: Ella Shae is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and the author of “From Broken to Beautifully Broken.” Through her writing, she seeks to inspire others to embrace their stories and seek healing in their journeys.

About Within by Sabrina: Within by Sabrina, founded by Sabrina Cosentino, is an integrative health coaching company which emphasizes a holistic approach to health. By uncovering the root causes of health issues —mental, physical, and spiritual—Within empowers individuals to achieve overall wellbeing.

About Project Blackbird: Project Blackbird is a nonprofit organization committed to providing free mental health therapy and resources to underserved communities, aiming to de stigmatize mental health and foster connections to local resources.