This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

The Jordan Matthew Porco Memorial Foundation to host Jordan's Journey 2014 Gala: Imagine a World Without Suicide

Jordan’s Journey 2014 Gala: Imagine a World Without Suicide will take place at Mohegan Sun on March 8, 2014 from 6 to 10 p.m. to benefit the Jordan Matthew Porco Memorial Foundation (JMPMF). The Mission of the JMPMF is to prevent suicide in the college and college entry student population that is often the end result of significant emotional disorders triggered by stress and/or not recognized within the person until it is too late.

The event will feature Masters of Ceremonies, Mark “The Shark” and Renee DiNino of Clear Channel Communications, an uplifting musical performance by Will Evans and a keynote by Kevin Breel, teen stand-up comic and mental health activist.  In addition, the gala will present both a silent and live auction, including items such as the first pitch at a Boston Red Sox game.

The Foundation was created by Marisa and Ernie Porco after losing their son, Jordan, to suicide in 2011.  “We want to honor Jordan’s life and memory by providing the hopeful message that suicide is preventable and giving our communities – and especially teens and young adults – the tools they need to notice warning signs and support their fellow person,” Ernie Porco, said.

Find out what's happening in West Hartfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To that end, the Foundation has created Fresh Check Day, an on-campus event that works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health disorders and encourages students to reach out to both peers and professionals on campus if they or someone they know needs help.

In 2013, the Foundation brought Fresh Check Day to five colleges and universities in Connecticut and reached over 5,000 students.  One in ten college students contemplates suicide.  With suicide being the second leading cause of death for college students, this event educates students in an approachable way and encourages them to be the one of nine to reach out and help.  More information is available through www.nineoutoften.org, a resource created by the Foundation.

Find out what's happening in West Hartfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Marisa Porco said she is grateful for the support of the community who has rallied around their family and the cause: “We are looking forward to celebrating our family, friends and community whose support has allowed us to bring this crucial, life-saving message to students at this year’s gala.”

Adult admission is $150 and students are $75. Register online: http://www.rememberingjordan.org/gala/gala-2014/

 

A discounted group rate for hotel accommodations is available through February 7, 2014.  For more information or to become a sponsor, email info@rememberingjordan.org or call (860) 904-6041.

About The Jordan Matthew Porco Memorial Foundation

The Jordan Matthew Porco Memorial Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation created in memory of Jordan Matthew Porco.  The mission of the Foundation is to prevent suicide in the college and college entry student population that is often the end result of significant emotional disorders triggered by stress and/or not recognized within the person until it is too late.  To that end, the Foundation has created Fresh Check Day, an on-campus event that works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health disorders and encourages students to reach out to both peers and professionals on campus if they or someone they know needs help.  For more information please visit www.rememberingjordan.org

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?