ALLEN COUNTY, OH (WLIO) -Â A local foundation and the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board are teaming up for an event that raises awareness for those struggling with suicide.
The Dear Nicholas Foundation put on the Bow Tie event at the Civic Center on Thursday in honor of their son Nicholas Bader, who died by suicide. Broadway songs and bow ties were present at the event for Nicholas, who worked on Broadway and often sported a bow tie.
The goal of the event was to bring people together for mental health and suicide awareness and to show that it's not just professionals who can make a difference in the life of someone who needs help with their mental health struggles.
"Although there's a lot of trained professionals out there in the battle, we can't see everyone before it happens," said Tammie Colon, CEO of the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board. "The more educated we are as an entire community, when we have our eyes on each other and we don't have any biases, or stereotypes, or prejudices against the disease, the better that we'll be able to encourage and direct people to get the services that they need."
Keynote speaker Diana Patton also spoke at the event. All of the proceeds made will go towards the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, who will work with the Dear Nicholas Foundation to decide how that money will be used in our area.
