Shelby Fire Hall hosting fundraiser Sept. 14 to support suicide prevention

Team Fuller 155 organizing event for third year, with new option for 3.5 -mile walk

Provided photo: Ike Watts takes time from organizing basket donations for a benefit Sept. 14 to support suicide prevention to hold 3-month-old granddaughter, Emma. The raffle is scheduled at Shelby Fire Hall.

SHELBY – A local family whose lives were forever changed by the suicide of a loved one are again planning an annual fundraiser to support suicide prevention.

It all started for Jason and Ike Watts when cousin Erin Fuller, an Orleans County sheriff’s deputy, died by suicide at age 45 on Sept. 12, 2015.

“It left the family lost and heartbroken,” Watts previously told the Hub.

Shortly after when they saw an advertisement for Out of the Darkness Walk in Buffalo to benefit suicide prevention, they knew they had found a way get involved. They formed a team, Fuller 155 (Erin’s badge number), and have walked there every year. In 2023 they came up with the idea to have their own basket raffle here at home. This year on Sept. 14 at Shelby Fire Hall, Team Fuller 155 has put together the third annual fundraiser to support suicide prevention.

This year, yet another feature has been added – a 3.5-mile community walk, starting and ending at the Shelby Fire Hall.

Their motto is “We support the fighters, admire the survivors, honor the taken and never give up hope,” said Watts.

“We encourage the community to take steps – literally and figuratively – toward mental health awareness and community healing,” Watts said.  “A walk interests different people and adds a new component of fundraising. People feel good when they’re outside in the fresh air. It clears your mind. Those who are struggling will have an hour to enjoy nature and clear their mind. The walk will pass by Shelby Falls and the creek. There’s something about being in the country that brings peace.”

Local resident Doug Bracey has a small trolley-like vehicle on which he will drive those who are unable to walk the distance. Shelby firefighters will also be riding the route with their emergency SUV to pick up anyone having trouble walking.

Registration is just $10 and will begin at 8 am., with the walk stepping off promptly at 9 a.m.

The basket raffle will begin at 10 a.m., featuring a wide array of themed baskets donated by local businesses, families and community members. Her goal is to have 155 baskets and they are already at almost 100. For the first time, Watts has solicited donations from local businesses. She sent out 157 letters requesting donations and two were returned “undeliverable,” bringing the total to the 155 – Erin Fuller’s badge number.

“I took that as a positive sign,” Watts said.

“In appreciation to the businesses who have donated baskets, I have gone back and purchased merchandise from them to make up another basket,” Watts said. “I want to make sure I support the businesses who support us by repaying their generosity.”

Some incredible baskets have already been received – items from a company called “Comfrt,” which makes clothing and items to comfort people with mental health, a toy ladder truck, items from a company called “Thirty One,” which sold totes and bags, a signed Josh Allen jersey, numerous gift cards and a collection of books for a year.

Donations of baskets is greatly appreciated and may be arranged by calling Watts at (585) 590-0291. Cash donations are always welcome and may be made by making a check payable to Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Breakfast sandwiches will be served early in the day, giving attendees a warm welcome and the energy to participate in the morning’s activities, Watts said.

 Fuller 155’s Suicide Prevention Committee said the event is not just about honoring their cousin Erin.

“It’s about anyone who has been affected by suicide,” Watts said. “We’ve lost friends, teachers and a lot of others to suicide. Erin’s name is the foundation for our efforts, but we do it for all.”

“This event has grown into something incredibly special over the past three years, and we’re especially excited to include the community walk this year,” Watts added. “It’s another step in bringing people together to support one another and promote mental wellness.”

All funds raised from the event will support local suicide prevention programs and mental health outreach initiatives in Orleans County and surrounding areas.

Watts and her committee of Tammy Fearby, Rebecca Lacy and Christine Crane encourage the community to “come, walk, win and raise awareness.”

“Together we can make a difference,” they said.