Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, according to www.nimh.nih.gov.
It steals from families and friends, leaving long-lasting effects for those left behind.
The Georgia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention works diligently in their quest: educating, funding research, advocacy and supporting survivors of suicide loss.
“The work that we do is really meant to bring hope and to save lives,” said Associate Area Director for Georgia AFSP Taylor Chambers.
Midtown Moon partnered with the Georgia Chapter of the AFSP to host a weekly fundraising event with local entertainer Ruby Redd in May and July.
Redd (and his girls) have performed for free and have raised over $90,000 for various charities over the past 9 1/2 years.
“We are very grateful for organizations like Midtown Moon and Ruby Redd who put on fundraisers to support us,” said Chambers.
The partnership with Midtown Moon and Redd has raised $4,500. These funds will help AFSP Georgia address their four areas of expertise.
Their biggest fundraiser of the year is the Out of The Darkness Walk, which is scheduled Nov. 3 in Piedmont Park.
Every Wednesday Midtown Moon has hosted Birdcage Bingo, with 100% of tips from the drag show entertainers going to the Georgia chapter of this nationwide organization.
Each week is different. “The 70’s and 80’s eras, including a music round, was fun,” said Redd. “The most interesting has been celebrity plastic surgeries.”
Redd has learned and laughed a lot.
“It’s meant to be silly and fun, but make everyone feel comfortable and welcome,” said Redd.
Connecting the crowd, increasing awareness and reaching out to those who may feel hopeless is a sensitive but integral part of the evening.
Suicide prevention literature is available to customers upon arrival for those not comfortable talking with someone face-to-face. Members and volunteers from AFSP are there to talk with anyone needing help.
Marco Penna, co-owner of Midtown Moon, brought in more charity events for the community when he opened up about a year ago.
“Not many LGBTQ bars, like this bar, are sponsoring charities like we do here,” said Penna.
During the suicide watch on Wednesday nights, everyone is involved. “I really feel proud to be part of the community,” he said.
Midtown Moon will be picking Birdcage Bingo night back up in September for National Suicide Prevention Month.
If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
Midtown Moon (Ansley Square) - 1492 Piedmont Avenue, N.E. (404) 343-6514.
For more information, visit afsp.org/Georgia or email at Georgia@AFSP.org
Each Sunday we write about a deserving person or charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To submit a story for us to cover, email us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com
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