Ride Towards Tomorrow 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE BRYCE RIVER FOUNDATION PRESENTS INAUGURAL
"RIDE TOWARDS TOMORROW"
Cycling Event, Mental Health Expo and Pop-Up Market Support Suicide Prevention
Lake Charles, Louisiana (June 24, 2024) – On August 24, 2024, the Bryce River Foundation will kick off suicide prevention month (September) with its inaugural cycling fundraiser Ride Towards Tomorrow. Hosted by Crying Eagle Brewing Company from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the event invites cyclists and advocates from across the Southwest Louisiana region and beyond to join in a significant initiative to foster community support and promote improved mental health and well-being.
The foundation, named in memory of Bryce River Waldrop, is dedicated to supporting mental health professionals and organizations who are proactively working to educate the community, train leaders to identify at-risk individuals and counsel everyone toward mental well-being. Through Ride Towards Tomorrow, the foundation raises awareness to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. By combining the power of physical activity with advocacy, the event provides a platform for open dialogue and support for those affected by mental health issues.
The foundation, named in memory of Bryce River Waldrop, is dedicated to supporting mental health professionals and organizations who are proactively working to educate the community, train leaders to identify at-risk individuals and counsel everyone toward mental well-being. Through Ride Towards Tomorrow, the foundation raises awareness to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. By combining the power of physical activity with advocacy, the event provides a platform for open dialogue and support for those affected by mental health issues.
Event participants have the opportunity to choose from three different cycling routes tailored to their experience level and preferences. The routes include:
Family Ride (6 miles): Perfect for families and beginners, this leisurely ride provides an enjoyable experience for riders of all ages. Participants will enjoy a rest stop at The Stables at Le Bocage where they can stretch their legs and admire the ponies before returning to Crying Eagle.
Intermediate Ride (27 miles): Designed for cyclists seeking a moderate challenge, this route explores the picturesque landscapes surrounding Southeast Calcasieu, offering a mix of farm and pastureland on quiet rural roads.
Advanced Ride (50 miles): Geared towards experienced cyclists, this route ventures into the heart of Louisiana's countryside, presenting a demanding yet rewarding journey for those seeking a more rigorous challenge.
For non-cyclists, there are many other opportunities to support the initiative. Crying Eagle’s parking lot will be turned into a mental health expo where visitors can access practical and educational resources, counseling services and information about suicide prevention training. A pop-up market will feature products for sale from local retailers, craftspeople and artists. Each vendor will be donating to the foundation, so everyone is encouraged to come out and shop!
Ride Towards Tomorrow will also feature a memorial garden to remember those who have died by suicide and show support for the families and loved ones who have been affected by it.
“Through this initiative, our goal is to create a supportive community that isn’t hesitant, nor resistant to having difficult conversations about mental health and suicide,””
“Cycling was one of River’s coping mechanisms for his depression, so launching the foundation that bears his name in conjunction with a cycling event felt like the right thing to do. Through this initiative, our goal is to create a supportive community that isn’t hesitant, nor resistant to having difficult conversations about mental health and suicide,” said Scott Waldrop, CEO of the Bryce River Foundation. “Please join us on August 24th, as we pedal away the darkness towards a future where mental health is prioritized, stigma is eradicated and every individual feels valued and supported. Together, let's ride towards tomorrow.”
Suicide prevention is a critical concern that impacts millions of lives each year. Louisiana experiences 700 deaths by suicide annually. It is the third leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-24 and 24-34 in the state. Suicide affects people of all races, religions and economic classes. Every suicide death is preventable, and we mustn't ignore it or remain passive.
All proceeds from Ride Towards Tomorrow will benefit the Bryce River Foundation. For more information, event pricing and registration, visit bryceriverfoundation.org/what-we-do or email bryceriverfoundation@gmail.com. Follow us on facebook.com/bryceriverfoundation for updates and announcements.
About the Bryce River Foundation
The Bryce River Foundation is dedicated to supporting mental health professionals and organizations who are proactively working to educate the community, train leaders to identify at-risk individuals and counsel everyone toward mental well-being. These advocates need more resources to reach a wider audience and serve the many people currently affected by mental illness, while also assisting the survivors of suicide loss through their grief and recovery process. Learn more at: bryceriverfoundation.org.
We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Call or text 988 for help.
Media Contact:
Scott Waldrop, CEO
Bryce River Foundation
bryceriverfoundation@gmail.com
337.302.4938
bryceriverfoundation.org
#RideTowardsTomorrow