Foundation raises money for suicide awareness

Published 1:30 am Friday, August 19, 2022

The family of a Coupeville resident who died by suicide last year is raising money to support local youth mental health initiatives, according to a press release.

Brandon Graham was a husband, father, son, brother and friend. Graham was born and raised in Coupeville. He graduated from Coupeville High School in 2007. He was loyal and passionate and loved his children, wife and family.

Graham died by suicide in August of 2021. His family wants to honor him by raising awareness of suicide in the community so no other families must go through the pain Graham’s family has gone through.

The Brandon Graham Foundation exists to foster mental health wellness, anti-bullying, and suicide awareness among the youth in the Whidbey community. The foundation’s focus is to support local schools’ efforts in suicide prevention and anti-bullying by providing schools with mental health and wellness resources.

The money raised will go directly to local schools to provide resources for students, including assemblies about bullying and suicide prevention, training for teachers and parents, local law enforcement, local chaplains, motivational speakers and more.

The foundation’s goal for its first annual fundraiser is to reach $25,000. Those interested in donating or participating with the foundation may email thebrandongrahamfoundation@gmail.com or visit www.thebrandongrahamfoundation.com.