Shoppers help raise money for bipolar research

Farmington Hills resident Joni Pitt's homemade OMG Peach Crostata will help raise money for mental illness research. Her dessert took top honors in the We"re Cookin" in Michigan recipe contest, held earlier this month at the Buy Michigan Now Festival in Northville. The dish was baked with Michigan peaches and eggs, among other Michigan ingredients, and served with homemade peach ice cream. Hiller's Chef Pete will bake hundreds of the peach dessert to sell at all seven Hiller's Markets in Metro Detroit in September. Proceeds will benefit the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund, located at the University of Michigan Depression Center, which supports research into the genetics of bipolar disorder. Almost 6 million adult Americans have bipolar disorder, an illness that causes chemical imbalances in the brain and can lead to deep depression, irrational "highs' and potentially tragic suicidal impulses. While the exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, research has shown that genetic, biochemical and environmental factors play a role. "Understanding the interactions between genes and environmental stressors is believed to be a key to conquering this debilitating illness," said Wally Prechter, the fund's founder. "It is the Prechter Fund's mission to support breakthrough research in psychiatric genetics, neuroimaging and neuroscience to find better diagnoses, individualized treatments and, ultimately, a cure." Hiller's is

a dedicated advocate of Michigan products, labeling items in its stores to help customers choose homegrown fare -anything from gourmet ice creams and desserts to fresh salsa and tortilla chips.

Also, the family-owned business actively gives back to the community on a regular basis. "We believe in supporting the community in various ways, and that includes promoting the wonderful produce and products that Michigan has to offer," said Justin Hiller, vice president of Hiller's Markets. "We also believe in the work being done to benefit bipolar disorder research and are proud to partner with the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund." Please visit the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund's website for more information: prechterfund.org