2nd Annual Golf Classic For Kevin’s Afterglow Scheduled In Fairfield

The following announcement is from Kevin's Afterglow:

FAIRFIELD, CT — The 2nd Annual Kevin’s Afterglow Golf Classic will take place on Monday, June 12th at Smith Richardson Golf Course, 2425 Morehouse Highway, in Fairfield. The popular event is already sold out to players, but interested participants can go on a waiting list, contact: Jkuczo@KevinsAfterglow.org. Sponsorships of a variety of levels are still available. Cocktails and dinner reservations are open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Donations for the silent auction are also welcome.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to Kevin’s Afterglow, a 501(c) (3) private charity, which is dedicated to teaching kids kindness and empathy, the ability to give and listen to others, while educating parents and children on mental health and help address the pediatric mental health crisis. The organization works with youngsters of all ages and grades including the placement of “Buddy Benches” at schools and playgrounds to create a safe place to spread kindness, empathy and giving. So far, 20 benches have been ordered and have been placed in Fairfield and Milford, and more coming soon.

At the middle school level, Kevin’s Afterglow works to promote a robust mental health awareness included in the curriculum. At the high school level, the organization offers speaking engagements to hear Kevin’s story and to confront myths on mental illness. For students heading to college or graduate school, scholarships will be awarded to young adults who are interested in becoming a pediatric therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

Kevin’s Story and the Afterglow

Fairfield teen Kevin Kuczo took his own life in February 2021 at age 17 while suffering from depression. A friend to everyone, Kevin was known for his kind-heartedness, empathy, ability to listen to others and so much more. After his passing, his parents, Jim and Kristen Kuczo, immediately committed themselves to helping other families and individuals dealing with mental illness by encouraging candid conversations about mental health and to put a face to the many issues facing today’s youth.

“Many suffer from depression alone for fear of stigma and taboo related to issues and problems that we face. Through our son Kevin, we will be the voice for the voiceless and work to help others and to ensure that we don’t see any more tragedies,” said Kevin’s mom, Kristen Kuczo said.

Kevin’s father Jim added: “It takes a strong community to help break the silence of the reality of depression and suicide; we are incredibly grateful to those who stand with us and our family to open the dialogue about kids’ mental health and end the cycle of silence.”

Since the formation of Kevin’s Afterglow, Jim and Kristen have spoken to many groups and organizations including to Brien McMahon High School, FCIAC Leadership Council, Fairfield Youth Football, Sacred Heart University’s Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Roanoke Women’s Lacrosse, Trackside Teen Center, and Fairfield College Preparatory School.

Depression & Suicide - How to Get Help

According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, and nearly 46,000 Americans died by suicide in 2020. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide. Despite this, it is often undiagnosed or untreated, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP),

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741.