Raising Funds and Awareness to Save Lives

For the past 10 years, the number of deaths by suicide has continued to increase annually. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reported in 2013 that suicide was the 10th leading cause of death for Americans. While it remains true more than 40 million Americans are affected by mental illness each year, suicide is something that can be prevented when the proper education is provided.

Madison Holleran was a Bergen County college freshman focused on academics and athletics at the University of Pennsylvania when she took her own life last January. Holleran is just one example of someone with a bright future who struggled to adjust to the changes and stresses of everyday life. People of every age, gender and race are affected by these struggles, and one of the biggest issues when it comes to suicide prevention is making sure these people are aware that help is out there.

THE GYM recently partnered with The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to host a week-long fundraiser to promote suicide awareness. They held fundraising events which included a vendor fair, raffles, silent auctions, and a meditation workshop. Suicide Prevention tank-tops were also sold. Raffled items raised $3,480 and the prizes were donated by AB&G Allendale, Athleta Fall Clothing, Bella Tunno, California Tortilla, Elizabeth Roche Med Spa, Fresh Market, Lulu Lemon, Moxie Salon, P.F.Chang’s, Park Ridge Animal Hospital, Personal Trainer Sean, Regina’s Steakhouse & Grille, Rodan & Fields, Savini, Sean Hall, Silverman Jewelers, Suite 201, The Ahearn Family, Threads Clothing, and Total Concept.

Overall, THE GYM was able to raise $5,370.00, with all proceeds going to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Northern NJ Chapter. The funds donated will be used to administer programs to be held at Northern Highlands Regional High School, a local school that has taken a proactive stance on suicide prevention and education. Madison Holleran, who was part of the inspiration for this fundraiser, attended the high school.

“On behalf of the Northern Highlands school community, we would like to thank THE GYM and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for their generous donation. This contribution will help further our district goal to support student wellness,” said Mike Koth, Vice Principal of Northern Highlands Regional High School. “Northern Highlands is committed to ensuring that all students are aware of the components that make up a healthy lifestyle and we wish to continue providing opportunities for students to achieve balance in their own lives.”

“I am very grateful to Lisa Bruchalski and THE GYM for their amazing efforts to raise awareness of suicide prevention and education. The funds will make a real-world difference by bringing programs to local schools, teaching teens and educators to be smart about mental health,” said Lorraine K. Mackin, New Jersey Area Director, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Suicide prevention starts with everyday heroes like Lisa whose efforts to generate a conversation will reduce the stigma of mental illness and suicide and save lives.”

THE GYM of Montvale has remained focused on bettering the community throughout the years, and one of the many ways they’ve done this is by supporting suicide prevention efforts. Teaming up with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has allowed them to continue these efforts and impact real change locally.

“The people in our very own community continue to be affected by mental illness and the consequence of suicide. THE GYM is committed to combating these issues with education, and that means raising awareness whenever and wherever possible,” said Lisa Bruchalski, Group Fitness Director at THE GYM. “We need to allow these voices to be heard and make sure those affected by mental illness know they have somewhere to go for help.”

If you or anyone you know is feeling depressed or having suicidal thoughts call:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Or Visit

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://www.afsp.org/

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is the leader in the fight against suicide. We fund research, offer educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has 83 local chapters with programs and events nationwide.

AFSP is a multifaceted organization made up of esteemed scientists, dedicated survivors of suicide loss, people with mental disorders and their families, and an expansive network of business and community leaders. We organize hundreds of events in communities across the country, raising millions of dollars each year to support our work, both locally and nationally. We advocate for social change, supporting policies that contribute to reducing and preventing suicides nationwide.

About The Madison Holleran Foundation:
The primary mission of the Madison Holleran Foundation is to prevent suicides and to assist those in a crisis situation with phone numbers and resources that will assist them during their time in crisis. We will also focus our efforts on preparing high school seniors and college freshmen, since this can be a very difficult transition period, as it was for Madison and many college freshmen. We will work in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, since they have valuable resources available to High Schools and Colleges to assist in suicide prevention. We also want to break the silence and stigma that is associated with suicide. By helping prepare high school seniors better for college life, as well as offering assistance to those college freshmen who are in crisis, we believe we can help prevent suicides in our country and the rest of the world. Students who are in crisis need to realize that there are therapists, psychologists, and guidance counselors available and eager to give them the assistance they need.

The Madison Holleran Foundation is a legal 501 3 C charitable organization that will raise funds to provide assistance to those organizations involved in preventing suicide.

About THE GYM of Montvale & Englewood
THE GYM is a complete lifestyle and fitness center, designed to promote healthy living in a first class atmosphere. Its unique approach integrates specialized training programs with nutrition and weight management counseling for total body conditioning and optimal fitness. THE GYM is known for its superior quality equipment, expert staff and special amenities, including a juice bar, spa and child play area. The staff’s attentive service and the facility’s array of programs and services provide guests with a state-of-the-art experience.

THE GYM Montvale
2 Chestnut Ridge Road
Montvale, NJ 07645
201-802-9399
http://www.GetToTheGym.com/montvale

THE GYM of Englewood
20 Nordhoff Place
Englewood, NJ 07631
201-567-9399
http://www.GetToTheGym.com/englewood

Photo:
Left to right: Lorraine K. Mackin, New Jersey Area Director, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Lisa Bruchalski, Group Fitness Director, THE GYM of Montvale; Nurit Chasman, Group Fitness Director, THE GYM of Englewood; Jeff River, Owner/VP Operations, THE GYM.