You Matter Day Aims to Save Young People from Suicide

Timed to coincide with National Suicide Awareness Month, “You Matter Day” this year takes place from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16.

Participants include Audubon Elementary School, Stevenson Elementary, Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School, Jefferson Middle School, 211 Brevard, Faith Lutheran Church, True You Always, Papa Vitos Italian Restaurant, Merritt Island Thrift Store, Islander Alliance Church, Coastal Life Properties and Trinity Fitness. More are being added.

At the event’s epicenter is Hunter’s alma mater, Merritt Island High School, where plenty of fun is planned to deliver a serious message. Big Don’s food truck will have food for purchase to fuel up for the games, drawings, giveaways and more at the student parking lot.

Participants are encouraged to visit any and all of the participating venues to pick up tickets for a drawing to be held at 3 p.m. at Merritt Island High. Prizes, donated by community businesses, include roundtrip airline tickets, a Long Doggers gift basket, gift cards and more. Major sponsors include Merritt Island and Melbourne Surgery Centers, Silver Airways, Blacks Spray Service and Craig Technologies.

“Its goal is to spread the “You Matter” message and to save lives, prevent suicide and share the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline resource,” Kelly said.

The day winds down with “You Matter Yoga” at 5 p.m. at Cherie Down Park in Cape Canaveral. All activities are free.

Merritt Island High will also host “You Matter Night at Mustang Stadium” at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29, during the football game. Instead of the traditional black and gold school color combination, fans are encouraged to wear purple, the color used to raise awareness of the suicide crisis. All attendees will receive “You Matter” bracelets and stickers, and t-shirts will be available for a $20 donation.