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CHADS | Suicide Prevention | Youth Mental Health Advocate

@chadscoalition

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We save young lives by advancing the awareness and prevention of depression and suicide.
👋 Interested in learning more? Click on the links👇

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CHADS has just received our first-ever EMMY nomination! 🏆

Our very own Marketing Communications Coordinator, Tasha, from CHADS, along with Chris and Macy from @rdlvfilms, are being recognized for their incredible work on last year’s Gala video — a project that quickly turned into a creative passion and a sincere desire to tell our story....💚

This is a small glimpse of the video that earned this honor. You can watch the full video and learn more about this year’s 20th Anniversary Gala on our website. Link in bio!

Thank you to everyone who believes in our mission — we can’t wait to celebrate with you at this year’s Gala!

#CHADS #EmmyNominee #HopeInAction #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #GalaSeason #YouthMentalHealth #BreakingTheStigma #CollectiveImpact #SuicidePreventionMonth by @chadscoalition

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a year ago

What a Night! ✨

We're still smiling from our Illuminating the Future Gala: 20 Years of Brighter Days!

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we're thrilled to share that we raised over $420,000, making this our biggest gala in CHADS' history! Every dollar helps us continue expanding our programs that bring mental health support, education, and hope to kids and teens who need it most.

The night was filled with laughter, tears, and so many inspiring moments.

We're deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible: our sponsors, volunteers, gala committee, board of directors, amazing vendors, CHADS staff, and all who joined us that night, near and far. Your support, energy, and belief in our mission made the evening truly special.

A special shout-out to:
-Ryan Greis, owner of Drawn Studio, for creating the stunning artwork capturing CHADS' 20-year journey featured in our video, a gift for our founders, Larry and Marian McCord.
-Melissa Brickey, our Chief Development Officer, whose vision, leadership, and heart guided this celebration from start to finish.
-Ali Lynch, our incredible Gala Chair, for her passion and dedication that beautifully brought every detail together.
-Frank Cusumano from KSDK for being an amazing emcee, and Laren Loveless and Molly Sallaberry for delighting us with their voices.

If you couldn't join us or want to relive the magic, check out the photos and video, they capture the hope, community, and joy that define CHADS.

Here's to 20 years of brighter days, and to many more ahead! Thank you for your support-we couldn't do it without you!

#CHADSCoalition #IlluminationGala #20YearsOfBrighterDays #MentalHealthMatters #YouthMentalHealth #ThankYouForYourSupport by @chadscoalition

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a year ago

Last week was one for the books.

Our co-founder Larry McCord headed to Washington, D.C. for the @aarp Purpose Prize Awards, where he was honored as one of just six winners nationwide!

Larry’s heart for helping others is what built CHADS, and seeing him celebrated for it was a full-circle moment we’ll never forget. 💚

#AARPPurposePrize #CHADSFamily #PurposeInAction #MentalHealthAwareness #FullCircleMoment by @chadscoalition

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a year ago

WOW, TOGETHER WE DID IT! ✨🎉💚

We are deeply grateful for the generosity and for the spirit of compassion that raised over $427,000 at our 10th Annual Brighter Days Gala. Our largest total to date! These vital funds will directly support CHADS’ mission to save young lives by advancing the awareness and prevention of depression and suicide.

When we looked around the ballroom that evening, we saw not just a room full of guests, but a community united in purpose—a community that believes every young person deserves a brighter tomorrow. THANK YOU!

Just a few more photos from the night and more to come! by @chadscoalition

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3 days ago

Fall Family Favorites

Looking for a fun, stress-free family outing in St. Louis this weekend? Orchard visits and fall outings are a great way for families to connect!
Shared family activities build emotional resilience and strengthen parent-child connections—providing a safe foundation for open conversations.

Family Fall Activities
- Eckert’s Farm (Belleville / Millstadt): Pick apples, navigate a corn maze, and enjoy a wagon ride together!
- Grant’s Farm Fall Fest: Enjoy animal interactions, seasonal tractor rides, and outdoor family fun right here in South County.
- Thies Farm & Pumpkinland (Maryland Heights): Perfect for younger kids to play outdoors and pick out their family pumpkins.

Keep the outing low-pressure! Focus on the shared time and conversation rather than checking every activity off the list.

What's your family's favorite October tradition around St. Louis? Tell us in the comments!

#CHADSCoalition #STLFamily #StLouisParents #WorldMentalHealthMonth by @chadscoalition

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4 days ago

Wellness Wednesday: Mental Health IS Health. 💚

Millions of young people navigate anxiety, depression, and mood challenges every day—yet so many carry the weight in silence due to fear or stigma. Education changes everything. When we teach youth, parents, and educators how to recognize early signs of distress, we build communities where asking for help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

How YOU can take action this week:
- Check in on a friend or classmate with an open, non-judgmental question.
- Learn the A.C.T. method (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) to support someone in need.
- Share this post to remind your network that help is always available.

Visit chadscoalition.org to learn how our school programs empower youth across St. Louis. You are never alone.

#WellnessWednesday #CHADScoalition #YouthMentalHealth #MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek by @chadscoalition

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5 days ago

Tomorrow is the day! Who will you see at the 10th Annual Brighter Days Gala?

We are thrilled and grateful to feature:

🎤Frank Cusumano, KSDK's award-winning anchor, as emcee

🎵Amelie Lock, singer and actress from the Muny's Shrek the Musical

🎹Laren Loveless, local musician and educator from St Louis' Music & Me coming soon to Nine PBS by @chadscoalition

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11 days ago

Browse all 6 Live Auction Items prior to the event that will be available for auction during our program!

Link to browse: https://events.handbid.com/lp/chads-10th-annual-brighter-days-gala/items

Live Auction Items:
1. Shrimp & Sip Soirée (Shrimp Boil party for up to 20 people)
2. Choose Your Getaway (Trip for 4, 3-night stay)
3. St. Louis Theater Crawl (Muny, Stages, Opera, and Improv)
4. Call of the Blues (2 tickets, period in the media booth with announcers)
5. In Home Chef Dinner (Private dinner for 8 with Josh Galliano)
6. Suite Soccer (all-inclusive City SC match)

Additional details & terms and conditions in Handbid https://events.handbid.com/lp/chads-10th-annual-brighter-days-gala/items by @chadscoalition

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12 days ago

Our Emerald Jewelry Raffle will be CLOSING PRIOR to the start of the main event! We are selling tickets until October 9th at 3:00 pm or earlier if sold out.

Secure your raffle tickets before it's too late!

🎟️ $75 for 1 ticket | $200 for 3 tickets
Purchase 1 ticket: https://link.handbid.io/R1tIfpyiR6b
Purchase 3 tickets: https://link.handbid.io/socAp5AiR6b

💚 Only 136 chances will be sold for your pick at Emerald Earring Studs or Emerald Pendant Necklace!

Enter our Pre-Event Raffle for your chance to win your choice of stunning emerald jewelry from Palecek Jewelers!

✨ Winner drawn during the 10th Annual Brighter Days Gala — you do not need to be present to win! by @chadscoalition

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12 days ago

Why wait until gala night? You can start bidding now on some incredible silent auction experiences, including:

🐚7-Night Beachfront Getaway to Gulf Shores: https://events.handbid.com/lp/chads-10th-annual-brighter-days-gala/item/7-night-beachfront-getaway-to-gulf-shores-2892544

🎾A Day at the US Open for 2:
https://events.handbid.com/lp/chads-10th-annual-brighter-days-gala/item/a-day-at-the-us-open-for-2-2892550

⛳Fairways and Fine Dining:
https://events.handbid.com/lp/chads-10th-annual-brighter-days-gala/item/fairways-and-fine-dining-2894134

🏒4 Blues Tickets Behind the Glass:
https://events.handbid.com/lp/chads-10th-annual-brighter-days-gala/item/4-blues-tickets-behind-the-glass-2894152

And the best part? Your winning bid helps CHADS save young lives through suicide prevention and mental health programming.💚

Bidding will last throughout the night of the gala, Friday, October 9th! by @chadscoalition

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13 days ago

The countdown to CHADS’ 10th Annual Brighter Days Gala is on!

Thank you to our friends at White Castle for investing in the well-being of our community’s next generation. Your sponsorship dedication allows CHADS to deliver evidence-based school presentations, family navigation services, and crisis support to families in need. by @chadscoalition

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14 days ago

It's the start of gala week! We cannot wait to celebrate CHADS 10th Annual Brighter Days Gala on Friday, October 9th! 💚

Thank you to our Shine Sponsor, Roeslein & Associates, Inc. for investing in the well-being of our community’s next generation. Your dedication allows CHADS to deliver evidence-based school presentations, family navigation services, and crisis support to families in need. by @chadscoalition

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15 days ago