Vienna Scavenger Hunt Raises Awareness For Mental Health

VIENNA, VA — A local foundation created in memory of Vienna wrestler Eric Monday is hosting a scavenger hunt around town to mark Mental Health Awareness Month in May. The Eric Monday Foundation worked with the Town of Vienna on the #TakeDownTheStigma Scavenger Hunt, which anyone can enter to win prizes.

Through May 31, participates can follow the clues to four Vienna locations and take a photo at each place. Photos can be posted on Facebook or Instagram with hashtags #takedownthestigma, #ericmondayfoundation and#onevienna. This post will enter you to win one of two Fitbits from the Eric Monday Foundation.

Here are the four clues:

• Clue 1: Take flight and find your first stop at this popular gathering place.
• Clue 2: These 4 letters are all you need and can be found on the old rail trail.
• Clue 3: Both Confederate and Union Army Troops occupied this house during the American Civil War.
• Clue 4: You are rounding third and headed for home. Find the Curly W.

Winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 2 on the Eric Monday Foundation Facebook page.

The foundation is named in honor of Eric Monday, a wrestler and graduate of Madison High School who died in 2009. Its mission focuses on eliminating stigma surrounding mental health and "fostering opportunities for young athletes who strive to develop their mind, body and spirit while raising up fellow participants."

Mental Health Awareness Month has a deeper meaning in the age of social distancing.

"Now more than ever, we are focused on how we can be of service and foster ways in which the community can connect to a broader purpose," said Brian Monday, Eric's father and president Eric Monday Foundation. "The Vienna scavenger hunt is one example of how we are encouraging families and individuals to get outdoors, exercise and connect - we know these three things are essential ingredients in the recipe for improving one’s mental health."

For more information on the foundation, visit www.ericmondayfoundation.org.