Give For Life Nets $10,000

By Trouble
It was a giving crowd that came out for the first ever Give For Life Memorial Run and Event July 24th.
Close to 400 people were a part of the event, which raised some $10,000 for the Carson J. Spencer Foundation suicide prevention efforts.
The suicide prevention and awareness run took to the roads in the foothills with about 65 riders after meeting at Crossroads in Pine Junction for registration and a free breakfast. The ride pulled out of Pine Junction at 10am, and made the rounds, running down the hill for stops in Morrison and Golden; then climbing back up to Georgetown, and then finishing up at Cactus Jacks in Evergreen.
Once in Evergreen, more than 300 people who skipped the ride, but came out for the cause and the party met riders.
“It was Fabulous,” said event organizer Kimberly Karsell. “The run was well-organized and a lot of fun. Prizes were handed out at each stop, and everyone was focused on having a good time. The weather was perfect. Everything went really well.”
Karsell teamed up with Gary and Megan Mitchell to put on the event, and take on bigger challenges—like teaming with the Spencer Foundation to provide suicide prevention. The Carson J. Spencer Foundation is a local nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and supporting those bereaved by suicide.
The move to action came after a spate of suicides over the last year, according to Karsell.
“It was overwhelming,” Karsell said. “So we decided to do something. This was just the start.”
The plan is to sponsor a community-based counseling program to off free initial visits and counseling sessions for individuals threatened by suicide—before the act on the thoughts.
The Party at Cactus Jacks was more than just a party. In addition to the release of balloons containing messages to loved ones lost, there was an explanation of what the purpose of the event was.
“We had a few speaker to explain what we were doing, what the program is, and how it works,” Karsell said. “Our presentation was well-received. Then, we got into the rest of our activities and a little party.”
There was a raffle and silent auction that saw the distribution of a variety of items and prizes, including some big-ticket items. Trips to the Grand Canyon and Royal Gorge, and a dirt bike were handed out. Additionally, a pile of goods and services from local businesses found people to go home with.
“It was a good event,” said Karsell. “We had a good crowd, everything went well, and we were able to raise almost $10,000 for suicide prevention programs. The Bare Knuckle blues Band put on a great show, and people were hanging out having a great time. I don’t know how things could have gone any better. This is something we’ll definitely be doing again.
For More information about suicide prevention and assistance programs, or the Carson J. Spencer Foundation, visit www.carsonjspencer.org.