As we start a new month and welcome the approach of cooler autumn weather I can’t help but think back to how special September was when our community came together to raise awareness of suicide prevention. So many of us have been touched in some way by the suicide of a family member, friend, colleague, loved one, or acquaintance. It leaves a searing pain that never goes away. As Pam Long Photography launched its new ongoing commitment to community philanthropy, we wanted to help an organization that has done so much to help those in crisis.
One thing I really love about Historic Ellicott City is that when you have an idea, so many of your fellow business members immediately offer to give of their time, talents, product, and profits to help a good cause.
And so it was when I chatted with my friend Julia Sanger of Park Ridge Creamery who didn’t even let me get the words out of my mouth before she said, “Count me in!” So together, two friends with a heart for helping others brainstormed an inaugural benefit to give people the (scoop) on suicide prevention.
We were blessed with a beautiful day, a day so blazingly hot that it was made for eating ice cream. People gathered, shared personal stories, reflected, remembered. Over cup and cone, those who attended recommitted themselves to doing whatever we could to let those in crisis know they are not alone and there is absolutely zero stigma attached to reaching out and asking for help.
We are fortunate to have such a concerned community, a network of friends who made the event a success. Gathered into the tiny courtyard we had Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, the Howard County Health Department, and the Howard County Police Department providing important resource materials to all who stopped by. We were privileged to have Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, the headliner of our corps of celebrity scoopers stop by and staff a shift. He literally rolled up his sleeves…an important preventive measure when scooping from a tub of chocolate ice cream. ;-)
I wish you could’ve seen my face when my friend Ray Peele from the Beyond the Badge Foundation showed up with a check for $1000. The Beyond the Badge Foundation works throughout the year to support the young people in the community and they recognized the challenges of the last year and how they have impacted so many of the young people. This reinforces for me, we can truly make a difference when people with big hearts and large networks support each other when the cause is just.
As they do so often, multiple businesses from Historic Ellicott City quietly donated gift cards and products to raffle off, a prize basket worth $600. Our cause attracted support from far beyond Ellicott City. Down in Maple Lawn, SteelFire Kitchen and Bar co-owner Michelle Wildman, Howard County’s Mother Teresa reincarnate, heard about our fundraiser, and put together 3 more gorgeous gift baskets that raised hundreds of dollars for our cause.
The generosity of local businesses continues to astonish me. I was touched by the gracious goodness of The Clayground, Little Market Cafe, and Sweet Cascades which combined, donated an additional $650 IN CASH. I'm grateful for the kindness and generosity that Michael, Ellen, Matt, Jeni, and Sue share.
Throughout the day we sold tickets for a 50/50 raffle. One of the many locals who stopped by, Gayle Killen, our lucky winner, generously returned her winnings of more than $500 to benefit Grassroots. That was probably the 20th time that day I was overcome with emotion.
As we closed out our day, Julia, owner of Park Ridge Creamery, presented me with a check for $600 representing her profits and the tips donated throughout the day.
There were many memorable moments that touched my heart that day. Stories that came from deep within. The most poignant moment for me, and it still brings tears to my eyes, came when a mom stopped by and told me that she saw my post about the fundraiser. Several years ago, her teenage daughter took her own life. While we were deep in conversation, she reached down and pulled off the bracelet she was wearing on her wrist and handed it to me. Suicide had so changed her life that she created a foundation in her daughter’s memory so that no parent would have to experience what she experienced. To learn more about the Katrina Tagget Memorial Foundation and to offer support, please click here.
It warms my heart to share with you that yesterday we presented Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center with a check for $4746.35. It was important to me that Grassroots recognized that this contribution reflected the collaborative generosity of a very broad community of people who care. My personal thanks to each of you who made this undertaking worthwhile. I appreciate the volunteers, guest scoopers, business community, and everyone who came out and supported this cause. This combined effort is the reason this fundraiser was a success. We're thankful for your support and your willingness to share the hope. We gave up our time and resources to host this fundraiser with hope that it saves somebody from giving up their life. If you were unable to join us and would like to contribute, please go to the Grassroots donation page by clicking here.
Now that I have my hand in your wallets, and I’ve touched your hearts, I leave you with a quote from my good friend Arnold Schwartzneggar, “I’ll be back.”
I've always enjoyed giving back and am committed to continuing to find ways to do so. If you'd like to join our philanthropy team and be notified of our next fundraiser (already in the works!) and see how you can help, please click the button below.
As I close out my post, an honorary roll call of businesses you should support because they support you.
Primitive Beginnings and Lotus
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