Basket raffle event for suicide awareness adds 5K run/walk this Sunday
Fourth annual event ‘supports the fighters, admires the survivors and honors the taken’
Photo by Ginny Kropf: There were more than 200 baskets donated for the Fuller 155 basket raffle/walk to benefit suicide prevention last September at the Shelby Fire Hall.
SHELBY CENTER – The fourth annual fundraiser for suicide awareness this Sunday will again include more than 155 baskets up for raffle. The event for the first time includes a 5K run/walk.
The Fuller 155 Suicide Awareness Basket Raffle and 5K Fun Run/Walk is in honor of the late Erin Fuller, a former deputy with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office. Fuller was 45 when he died by suicide on Sept. 12, 2015.
The message for the fundraising event is simple, but powerful, said Ike Watts, Fuller’s cousin and coordinator of the event: “We support the fighters, admire the survivors, honor the taken and never give up hope.”
Watts continued to say, “We honor the memory of many family members, friends and community members who have died by suicide and offer support to those affected by it. Our goal is to raise enough funds to offer support and training to first responders and others in our community who may not know where to turn or what to do next after tragedy strikes. We want people to know that it’s okay to not be okay, that you matter and you are not alone.”
Provided photos: (Left) Organizer Ike Watts said support for their annual Fuller 155 Suicide Awareness Raffle has been overwhelming. Here is an insulated bag with $500 gift certificate from Wegmans. (Right) An elaborate fall centerpiece is one of the baskets which will be raffled off Sunday at a fundraiser to benefit suicide awareness.
The event on Sunday will be at the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company. The 5K will begin at 9 a.m. with a $10 registration fee. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and pre-registration is open now. Information on how to pre-register can be found on the Fuller 155 Facebook page or you can Venmo $10 along with your full name and email address to @Fuller155. The 5K is organized by Watt’s sister, Debbie Fuller of Florida.
Thursday at 6:30 p.m., organizers will meet at Shelby Recreation Hall to stuff 100 gift bags which will be given to the first 100 entrants for the 5K. Anyone needing more information can call Fuller at (716) 481-1474.
The basket raffle will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. So far 155 baskets have been donated, including a Dolly Parton basket. Donations are still being accepted by contacting Watts at (585) 590-0291.
Watts said support for their annual event has been overwhelming. They have received donations from businesses, individuals – the entire community, including Lockport, Albion and even from Fuller’s home town in Florida.
“This is not just about Erin,” Watts said. “It’s about any family touched by suicide.”
Watts said she is grateful to Shelby Fire Company for allowing them to host this event there every year.
“I wouldn’t be able to do it otherwise,” she said.
Refreshments will be provided by the Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, located at 4677 S. Gravel Rd., Medina.
Informational booths will be set up by the Orleans County Mental Health, Orleans County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, and Alzheimer’s Awareness. There will also be a special Suicide Awareness photo op station, generously donated by Sheryl Watts of Air Raising Events.
