INSPIRED BY their own experiences and unique challenges, students from Youth Leadership Bedford recently made a lasting impact by hosting the first annual Benefit For Hope on April 15 at Shelbyville Central High School (SCHS). Students from The Webb School, Community High, Cascade High, and SCHS united in coordinating this event for their class project. The teens’ efforts paid off, raising an astounding $30,000! These much-needed funds will provide grants for anyone younger than 21 who seeks professional counseling but cannot afford mental health services.
“I’m so proud of this year’s class for taking on a project that is so important. This mental health awareness campaign has the potential to help many people. It’s an incredible legacy these young people will leave behind,” said Carol Garrette, who volunteers as a youth advisor with the program. This class project was highly ambitious and featured dinner catered by M·A·C Daddies, live music, a silent and live auction, a mental health resource fair, and an insightful presentation by Mary Anne Christian from the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.
“This event has been the most eye-opening experience I’ve had in my high school career,” said Kara Swain from SCHS. “I’ve connected with many people in our community and have gained knowledge and respect for the roles of all mental health providers and individuals who respond to crisis emergencies. The support for this event was greater than we imagined it would be. I want to thank all the sponsors and people who came to support us. Raising nearly $30,000 is a great start on our journey to fund counseling services. I feel like we are getting closer to breaking the stigma around mental health issues in Bedford County.”
Friends for a Better Bedford donated $1,500, and platinum donors who gave at least $1,000 include Farm Credit, Elaborate Images, Cooper Steel, Dr. Tammy Garrett, Wild Wilderbeast Lodge, First Community Bank, Leadership Bedford Board, and Rural First. Almost two dozen other businesses graciously donated at the gold and silver levels. Items donated for the auctions included a prestigious hunting trip to South Africa, tickets to the NASCAR race at the Nashville Superspeedway, signed sports memorabilia, cast iron cookware, unique artwork, and Yeti coolers.
“Benefit for Hope is essential to our community. We need to rally behind those who are struggling with mental health issues,” said Daniel Craig from Cascade High. “One thing that motivates me is that this event is going to help others. The money from the event could not only help people but could also save a life. I have gone through losing classmates, and it is not something I want anyone else to go through. Mental health is not something we need to take lightly; it is a tough topic to talk about, but it is necessary. That motivated me to work on the project every day. I hope future Youth Leadership Bedford members continue this amazing event. I hope they raise $60,000!” GN
