Suicide prevention is personal. I've lost two family members to suicide. I also have friends and family that I care about deeply who have also lost loved ones or who struggle with their own mental health. When I have opened up to close friends about this, I've been astonished by how many people are impacted by suicide.

Supporting AFSP feels like a way to do something productive to help. I'm inviting you to help me raise money to educate people about suicide prevention, to support survivors of suicide loss, to fund research, and to advocate for better public policies. I chose to support AFSP because this is the important work they do. By contributing together, we can help in a meaningful way.

As an incentive for this fundraiser, I'm providing tickets to my online event, Story of a Teacup, on November 17, 2024 to everyone who donates the amounts specified below. This entertaining event helps connect tea lovers, building empathy through sips and stories. This, too, feels like an effort to combat isolation and loneliness.

Join us for "Story of a Teacup," a cozy online gathering where we come together to sip tea and share stories. We'll steep tea together during the event. Then, with cup in hand, we'll listen as designated members of the CommuniTEA share the personal stories behind a favorite piece of teaware. You’ll hear the memories and special meaning behind each piece. There’s also time for Q&A and, if you like, the option to share a bit of your own teaware story, too.

• Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024
• Time: 2-3:30pm ET  (Online event)
• Featuring stories from members of the #CommuniTEA, including the following tea friends (and where you can find them on Instagram): 
  • Annie, @at.the.teatable 
  • Katelyn, @brewteafullybrewed 
  • Kelly, @ros_strange
  • Michell, @herbthetravelingteaturtle
  • Traci (me!), @teainfusiast
• ALL proceeds from this event benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 

To reserve your spot for Story of a Teacup...

• $25 = recommended donation
• $15 = for folks experiencing tight finances
• $35 = for folks who can offset the reduced-rate price
• Of course, feel free to donate more if you can!

After you donate, kindly email me. (Sooner is better so you don't forget.) I will see your donation on my page. By receiving your email, I will reserve your spot  and be able to email you the information to join the Story of a Teacup event. (AFSP doesn't send me your email.) So, please email me at: teainfusiast@okso.org

What if I would like to donate but cannot attend? I warmly welcome all donations, even if you cannot attend the event. The event will be recorded and available to participants for two weeks after it is shared.

Will the topic of suicide come up at the event? Besides noting the organization this event is supporting and the amount of money we raised for it, suicide will not be discussed at this event.

You can read more about me here.