Brandon Graham
Family and friends of Brandon Graham, a 2007 Coupeville High School grad who died last summer, are starting a foundation to assist others.
The goal is to “honor Brandon by bringing awareness of suicide to the community, so no other family must go through the pain Brandon’s family has gone through.”
The foundation, which is being started by Coupeville grads Debbie Vescovi and Michelle Armstrong, will offer support for Coupeville and Oak Harbor schools, with a focus on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and anti-bullying efforts.
Money raised will be used to provide resources for students and training for teachers and parents, with an emphasis on bringing together local law enforcement, chaplains, and motivational speakers to assist.
Foundation organizers are launching things with a fundraiser Aug. 6.
A luau dinner and silent auction is set for the Nordic Lodge in Coupeville (63 Jacobs Rd.), with things starting at 4 PM.
Tickets are limited and can be obtained either in person at Polished Studio in Oak Harbor (861 SE Pioneer Way) or by emailing thebrandongrahamfoundation@gmail.com.
Cost is $30 for single admission, or $50 for a couple.
The plan is to make the dinner a yearly fundraiser.
The foundation is also in the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and will launch a website where people can donate to the ongoing work.
“Mental health wellness needs to be a number one priority for our children,” foundation organizers said in a statement.
“We, as a community, can provide our youth with tools to be able to work through the problems they have, and know that the community has their back.”
