JPMF Annual Gala Funds Youth Suicide Program

Jess Parrish Medical Foundation (JPMF) has announced the law firm of GrayRobinson, P.A. and Laura & William Boyles as the presenting sponsors of this year’s benefit gala on Friday, Oct. 23, from 8 p.m. to midnight at La Cita Country Club in Titusville.

“Glamping Under the Moonlight at Compassion Ranch” hopes to raise more than $130,000 to establish Sources of Strength, a research based, best-practice youth suicide prevention program designed to harness the power of peer social networks. According to the Florida Vital Statistic Annual Reports, Brevard County suicide death rates are higher than Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County, Florida state and national averages.

The Children’s Center will provide program management and oversight of the three-year project while working collaboratively with all of the middle and high schools in North Brevard County. “In early 2015, our community experienced a tragedy when a middle school student died by suicide. That opened our eyes to the increasingly alarming rates of teen suicide, attempted suicide and self-harm in North Brevard,” said Lori Duester, manager of The Children’s Center.

“Since teens are highly influenced by their peers – social development, peer acceptance and personal identity are all part of growing up,” says Dr. Louis Joseph, Chairman of Psychiatry at Parrish Medical Center. He praised the Sources of Strength program for its methods, citing it as one of the few comprehensive research-based suicide prevention programs. “This program will have a strong impact on our schools and community culture,” said Dr. Joseph.
Partnerships with other organizations, such as Hannah’s Heroes, Inc. and community youth groups, will help extend the reach of the program within the three-year project timeframe.

Glamping, the newest global phenomenon, is where the wild outdoors intersects with unabashed luxury, in a place defined as “glamorous camping.” Guests will enjoy western hospitality at its finest with live entertainment, gourmet dining, line dancing, silent auction and more – and all for a good cause! Another thrilling opportunity will be a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize or $3,000 in gift certificates to Jon’s Fine Jewelry in Cocoa Village (three chances at $1,000 each) when purchasing one ticket for $20 or six tickets for $100.

“It is our privilege to be the presenting sponsor of this great event for the fourth year in a row. We believe in continuing the foundation’s mission of providing healing experiences to families throughout Brevard County. Bringing this program to North Brevard will make a lasting impact for generations to come,” said William A. Boyles, shareholder at GrayRobinson, P.A.

The underwriting committee has secured sponsorships from numerous community members and organizations. Rainbow Ridge sponsors include BIMDA, Florida Cardiovascular Association, FLORIDA TODAY; Susan Morse, Senior Vice President and Steve Soltesz, Financial Advisor, UBS Financial Services; N. Christine Sylvester and Zumpano Patricios & Winker, P.A. Ruby Falls sponsors include Jerry & Judy Allender/Allender & Allender Attorneys at Law, Boggs Gases, Clevens Face & Body Specialists, Comprehensive Pharmacy Services, Jon’s Fine Jewelry, SCB Marketing; Dr. Tanya Taival, Obstetrics & Gynecology; TeamHealth Anesthesia, TeamHealth Emergency Medicine Division and Terry & Barbara Terhune. Other generous sponsors will be recognized at the gala.

“We’d like to thank all our sponsors who will be helping make a real difference in the lives of countless teens in our community,” said Mary Coleman committee co-chair. We’re really excited about how things are coming together with terrific entertainment, fabulous food, and great auction items. Everyone’s guaranteed to have a good time while helping teens find hope, help and strength.”

Other event co-chairs include Randy Coleman and John and Betty Greene. Committee members are Winnie Brewer, Kelley Broome, Amy Craddock, Debbie Lord, Melissa Lugo, Susan Morse, Jim Musick, Katherine Musick, Tricia Parrish and Dr. Tanya Taival. The event design and production is by Nave Event & Floral Design.
General gala admission tickets are $125 per person. Sponsorship opportunities start at $500. Space is limited so register today at www.parrishmedfoundation.com/register.

For more information about sponsorship packages, to donate tax-deductible auction items or purchase general admission and chance drawing tickets, please call JPMF at (321) 269-4066 or email foundation@parrishmed.com.