On March 5, 2016, the Jordan Sprague Life Shines Fund will host its third Freedom to Live Gala. This year’s Gala, a fundraiser in support of the Samaritans Suicide Prevention Center, will feature live music from the Bobby Bandiera Band, an incredible silent auction, dancing, scrumptious food, and cocktails.
The Samaritans Suicide Prevention Center is the world’s oldest and largest suicide prevention and crisis response network. A highly respected international organization, Samaritans supports those who experience distress, depression, and suicidal feelings, as well as their loved ones. The Samaritans Center, though based in New York, is the primary organization that serves victims and loved ones in New Jersey. The Jordan Sprague Life Shines Fund will donate the proceeds of the Gala to the organization’s 24-hour suicide prevention hotline, support groups for those affected by suicide, and education programs on suicide prevention for teachers and school officials.
In the US, a suicide occurs every 12.95 minutes. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in Americans between the ages of 18 and 24. This staggering demographic is nothing when compared to all of the lives that suicide touches. Samaritans has made prevention, awareness, education, and the removal of stigma its missions—and so has the Hopewell-based Jordan Sprague Life Shines Fund.
The Jordan Sprague Life Shines Fund and the Freedom to Live Gala were founded by the Lisa and Rob Sprague. The Spragues live in Hopewell, NJ and have six children. In July of 2010, they lost their oldest son, 19-year-old Jordan, to suicide. In the wake of this tragedy, it is the Spragues’ greatest wish to do everything they possibly can to raise awareness and support, and their fund is a legacy dedicated to a vibrant, passionate life. The fund’s mission is to give hope through awareness, understanding, and kindness.
To this end, the Spragues and the Life Shines Fund seek to raise as much as possible to fight the ongoing struggle against suicide. The Gala will take place on March 5th from 7:30pm to 11:30pm at the Princeton Elks Lodge, 354 Route 518, Skillman, NJ, 08558. The Gala promises to be a fun evening and welcomes any who wish to attend. The Life Shines Fund also welcomes business, corporate, and individual sponsors. To donate, purchase tickets, or become a sponsor, please visit https://samaritansnyc.ejoinme.org/gala2016.
For more information on the Samaritans Center, please visit www.samaritansnyc.org. For more information on the Jordan Sprague Life Shines Fund, please visit https://samaritansnyc.ejoinme.org/gala2016 or call co-founder Lisa Sprague at 609-439-1548.
