Donna Butler, who has been a front desk receptionist at Peconic Pediatrics since May 2014, organized and hosted a fundraiser for The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on October 14, 2015 at Four Doors Down in Mattituck. The event raised over $1,200 to support her team "The Friends and Family of Jonathan Pratt," who participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk in Saratoga the following weekend. They have been walking as a team each year since Jonathan's passing in 2009.
An appropriate way to honor Jonathan and his love for music, the fundraiser gave local musicians a stage to perform their art in support of the cause. There was also a Chinese Auction, with prizes donated by the generous local businesses of Riverhead and the North Fork. The community's outpouring of support was incredible.
Depression and mental illness are not easy topics to talk about, so many people silently struggle. Organizations like the AFSP make it possible to spread awareness and education on how to help others, and how to help prevent suicide. Over 80% of funds raised go directly to research, educational programs, and resources for those affected.
