CROSSES … Crosses sit in front of the Wauseon VFW in remembrance of someone who has been lost.
(PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
LET’S RIDE … Over 140 riders attended the 8th Annual Dennis Deeds Suicide Awareness Memorial Ride. Riders left from the Wauseon VFW hall at 11:30 a.m. to participate in the event.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The 8th Annual Dennis Deeds Suicide Awareness Memorial Ride was held in Wauseon this past weekend on Saturday, August 3rd.
The ride takes place annually in an effort to raise awareness for suicide and helps to raise money for prevention.
The event began back in 2012 after organizer Julie Deeds lost her husband, Dennis Deeds, to suicide. The goal following this tragic event was to create awareness and outreach in an attempt to try and prevent future suicides.
Assisting with the program this year was the National Alliance of Mental Illness with Four County. NAMI provides free support, education classes, and advocacy for individuals and their families.
Money raised through the memorial ride goes to help these organizations support veterans who are in need of support. Money is raised through sign-up fees for the ride, along with silent auctions and t-shirt sales.
At 11:30 a.m. all of the riders who had met at the VFW Hall in Wauseon put their kickstands up and began to ride. Around 140 riders took off onto Ottokee Street to show their support and to work towards a better world with fewer suicides.
If you are someone you know is facing challenges, you are not alone. There are many resources available in our community today that are designed to help you, both when things get tough, and when you need it the most.
You can also call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988.
DEEDS … Members of the Deed’s Family and Nami stand for a picture at the suicide awareness ride. Names presented from left to right. NAMI Board Member Sarah Hankinson, NAMI Executive Director Wendy Jennings, Bronsyn Deeds, Julie Deeds, Justin Deeds.