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Dear Family, Friends, and Supporters,

I am pleased to inform you that I will be participating in the Beacon of Hope 5K on May 22, 2011 to benefit I Need a Lighthouse (http://www.ineedalighthouse.org/). The 5K is scheduled for Sunday morning, May 22, 2011 at 24th Street Park at the beautiful Virginia Beach oceanfront.  I am seeking donations of any amount to help this worthy cause.  It does not matter if it is $2.00 or $200.00. All the money I raise will be used to battle and eradicate suicide and depression in our community.

Each year in the United States, more than 30,000 lives are cut short by suicide.   That means that suicide ends one life every 17 minutes.  For every life lost, thousands more are affected by the loss of a child, parent, friend or co-worker. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for young people (ages 10-24) in the United States.

You can take pride in knowing that all the dollars you donate will benefit individuals in Virginia Beach. Your contribution is necessary for I Need a Lighthouse to reach their goals:

•            Expanding educational presentations about depression and suicide to high school students in Southern Hampton Roads. Our goal is to help young people recognize the symptoms of depression and warning signs for suicide and reach out when they, or a friend, needs help

•            Providing education and outreach to help adults recognize the symptoms of depression and the warning signs of teen suicide

•            Working with partners to provide education to mental health, medical and educational professionals regarding teen depression and suicide

Thank you for your support of I Need a Lighthouse and my participation in the Beacon of Hope 5K Run/Walk!

Sincerely,