It’s true that everyone can do something to support increased suicide awareness and to raise support for this critical mission. Here at Stop Soldier Suicide we have been amazed and impressed by the creativity of our community. They show that with dedication to our mission the sky really is the only limit. We draw inspiration and encouragement from the way that our friends and volunteers are locking arms with us as we advance toward solutions for suicide within the military community.
While no list can ever fully contain the fun and memorable events that have happened along the way, we do want to share some of the stand out ways that people have carried our mission forward all while having fun and creating a sense of community.
Cheers to Suicide Prevention: Manor Hill Brewing, based in Maryland has developed an I Got Your 6 IPA that donates proceeds to our mission. Not only is the head brewmaster a Marine Veteran but they source ingredients for this beer that are from Veteran-owned businesses. One of our favorite details? The beer is crafted from a patriotic grain bill of red wheat, white rice, and blue corn. This specialty beer is part of a larger effort to gather community for the sake of our veterans and service members such that they feel all the support they both need and deserve.
Hitting Home Runs & Remembering Together: Daniella de la Rosa, a high school senior in Idaho decided to use her capstone project as a way to raise support for our organization. What began as a tentative dream for impact boomed into a community-wide event that created important connections. Her cousin, a Marine Corps veteran, died by suicide and as a loss survivor this advocacy event gave her an opportunity to do something tangible and positive in the wake of the loss.
Swimming and Saving Lives: The beautiful waters in Tampa provide the perfect backdrop for the impact that Craig Ridenhour has made over the last few years. During the annual Madeira Beach Intercoastal Waterway Swim funds are raised that contribute to hundreds of hours of suicide-specific therapy through our ROGER Wellness Service. It is an incredible impact! Craig raises awareness and support as the proud brother of a Marine veteran and is deeply committed to supporting the military community. He partners with American Legion Post 273 to make this event possible. We love how the event brings people together in meaningful ways while also raising funds.
Comfort Food for a Cause:We love any event that pairs delicious food with our mission to serve veterans and service members! Hosted by local North Carolina brewery, Bull City Ciderworks, patrons purchased tickets to enter their winning chili and took on the task of taste testing all the delicious fare.
Ride the Tide: After losing their son, Mitchell, to suicide the Lasley family incorporated awareness efforts into their grief journey by establishing a Bike Ride in Mitch’s Honor. “We are in the club no one ever wants to be in,” said Mitchell’s mother, Shanna. “To know him was to love him. Mitch was full of life, laughter, and energy. We never imagined he was struggling. By organizing Ride the Tide, we want to honor him and ensure others don’t have to endure the tragedy our family has faced.” The ride is more than a memorial — it’s a mission.
Family, Fun & a Pickleball Tournament: After losing a member of their family, brother and cousin Zac and Cam Deegan took their love of competition and sport to the pickleball courts of Massachusetts. Building camaraderie with family teams, company teams and spreading the word in their community, more than 100 players turned out.
A Major Flex in Prevention: A Strongman Competition: Bringing a new meaning to sweat equity, Cosme Gonzalez hosts his annual Until Valhalla competition as part of a larger community event in Delaware. We’re talking deadlifts, power stairs, sand bags and more, all to strengthen awareness and build support for the local military community.
You see what we mean? When it comes to supporting our mission where there’s a will, there’s a way.
There is power in each of us choosing to use our sphere of influence to support something bigger than ourselves. As we advance toward solving for suicide within the military community we know that there is space for all!
Consider what creative ideas you have that could be the next fun and impactful fundraiser. We’d love to hear from you, dream with you, and put action around your ideas.