Sponsorship opportunities are available for the inaugural Bluebird Run for Brookie B ranging from $250 to $2,500. If you would like to make a commitment as a sponsor, please complete and return the downloadable Sponsorship Form by August 1, 2015.

Thank you to our sponsors:

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Dear Sponsors and Friends:

Our daughter Brook ended her life on January 13, 2012. She was only 31 years old and diagnosed with major depression, psychosis, and borderline personality disorder. She had bravely dealt with mental illness for 16 years. She was a wonderful, talented, and loving person who ultimately could not control her suicidal thoughts. Her death devastated her family and friends.

After her death, our family created the “Brookie B Fund” with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Tallahassee. Through the fund, we hope to help others understand mental illness and to offer opportunities for suicide loss and attempt survivors to become involved in increasing awareness and prevention activities.

As we remember Brook and educate our community about mental illness and suicide, we invite you to attend NAMI Tallahassee’s inaugural Bluebird Run for Brookie B. The 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk will be held in J.R. Alford Greenway at the south end of Pedrick Road on Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

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In 2013, 2,892 people died by suicide in Florida--eight people every day. Twice as many people die by suicide than by homicide and AIDs combined. Ninety percent of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental illness at the time of their death. It is important to know that with treatment and caring support, people can realize their full potential, cope with the stresses of life, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to society.

NAMI Tallahassee serves Leon and nearby counties. We operate with an all-volunteer board of directors, committees, and membership structure comprising individuals, families, and friends of people who face mental illness every day. NAMI’s four evidence-based education programs are nationally recognized as best practices in promoting recovery. We served 648 individuals last year through our Help Line, support groups, education classes, law enforcement trainings, community advocacy, outreach events, and community collaborations.

Funds raised through the inaugural Bluebird Run for Brookie B will be used to build a comprehensive and practical “what to do when…” community suicide prevention and postvention response program. We feel it is important to offer support, advocacy, and education for family members and friends whose lives, like ours, are affected by a suicide.

 

NAMI Tallahassee’s event goal is to facilitate the creation of a suicide prevention coalition and program to help survivors heal. This program will provide mini-grants to licensed professional counseling organizations to offer reduced fee or free therapy sessions for members of our community with limited financial resources.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the inaugural Bluebird Run for Brookie B ranging from $250 to $2,500.  We would be grateful and privileged to have your endorsement for the Bluebird Run for Brookie B. All donations and sponsorships are tax deductible under NAMI Tallahassee’s 501(c)(3) exemption.

We truly appreciate your generous support and we hope you can join us on Labor Day.

Sincerely,

Bill and Mary Bowers