Nearly $18K raised locally for Suicide Prevention

Provided photos

SHELBY – The Shelby Volunteer Fire Company hosted a basket raffle on Sept. 17 which attracted more than 600 people and raised about $12,800 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

A local contingent for “Team Fuller 155” also participated in the Out of the Darkness Buffalo walk for Suicide Prevention at Canalside in Buffalo on Sept. 23.

With the basket raffle and the walk the local group raised $17,543 for Suicide Prevention, said Ike Watts, one of the leaders of the local effort.

Ike Watts, left, and her husband Jason Watts are pictured on Sept. 23 during Out of the Darkness Buffalo, a walk to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Ike Watts lost two people close to her to suicide. Both were first responders and public employees. She said first responders are often the last ones to seek out help, despite being exposed to many traumatic situations, that often leave them in physical and emotional pain.

The Watts and Fuller families have participated in the walk in Buffalo since 2016. This year a basket raffle was added in Shelby to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

A big group attended Out of the Darkness at Canalside in Buffalo.

Ike Watts doesn’t want there to be a stigma with suicide. She wants people to feel comfortable reaching out for help if they are struggling.

Medina FFA students served breakfast at the basket raffle event on Sept. 17. At left is Jack Cecchini and Maddie Farley is at right.

Watts praised a local committee for joining her in organizing the event on Sept. 17: Rebecca Lacy, Tammy Fearby, Christine Crane, Todd Eick and Stacey Knights. Watts said she expects the raffle will be back again next year after this year’s successful debut.