According to the National Institute on Mental Health, “Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers.” These shocking numbers have not gone un-noticed.
Efforts to raise awareness, and decrease suicide have been becoming more prevalent, and Fredonia’s campus is no exception. On Wednesday, Nov. 30, Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) will team up with the Music Industry Club, and Tennis Club to host a benefit concert for “To Write Love on Her Arms”(TWLOHA). TWLOHA is a non-profit organization which aims to present hope and awareness for those facing depression, self-abuse, and suicidal thoughts.
The concert will be held in SUNY Fredonia’s DOD’s Hall Multi Purpose Room from 5 to 9 p.m. Four local bands Pardi Gras, The Blank Shots, Funkgnosis, and Mr. Boneless will be featured in the show. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for the general public. 100 percent of the proceeds from the concert will go to TWLOHA.
This event is not the first, nor will it be the last event in the Suicide and anti-bullying movement on this Campus.
On Friday November 11th, Fredonia’s Advanced Leadership Development Program hosted a Gala to raise money for the organization Kindness Above Malice, an organization dedicated to ending bullying. Three Fredonia Students, Sharon Malfesi, Ashley Post and Shannan Keefe, spoke at the event on behalf of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE).
Sharon, Ashley and Shannan played a big role in planning the TWLOHA Concert and are planning more Suicide awareness and Anti-bullying events coming up later in the year.
In planning the events, the girls have created a mission statement that speaks volumes about what they hope to accomplish and they shared this in their speech at the gala. "Life is too short for negative words and hate. It is important to realize that hurtful words can have a harmful impact on others. Life is fragile, but beautiful and worth living."
Any questions regarding the benefit concert or upcoming events in the Suicide awareness, Anti-bullying movement may be directed to Sharon Malfesi at her email Malf7881@Fredonia.edu.
