Ride for Gage to Benefit the Jordan Porco Foundation’s Suicide Prevention Programs
By Rachel Papke
Hartford, CT– On Sunday, September 10, 2017, you’re invited to honor the life of Gage Rondeau at the first annual “Ride for Gage” event. This motorcycle ride starts at TSI Harley-Davidson in Ellington, CT and ends at Sun Valley Resort in Stafford Springs, CT. Anyone is welcome, biker or not.
Get tickets at TSI Harley-Davidson, the Club House Cafe at Sun Valley Resort, or by contacting Joe Ferenc at 860.916.7750, jferenc@descopro.com. Tickets are $30 per bike (2 people) and $15 per person for the reception only. The after-ride reception will feature food, entertainment, and raffles at Sun Valley Resort. Registration is from 9:00am-11:30am on event day.
Bikers will come together to remember Gage’s adventurous spirit, benefiting the Jordan Porco Foundation’s suicide prevention programs.
The Jordan Porco Foundation’s mission is to prevent suicide, promote mental health, and create a message of hope for young adults. This is accomplished by providing engaging and uplifting peer-run programs on college campuses. Their programs strive to start a conversation about mental health that reduces stigma while encouraging help-seeking and supportive behaviors in order to save young adult lives. Learn more at jordanporcofoundation.org.
It takes a concerted, collective effort to help prevent young adult suicide. Together, Joe and Ruthann Ferenc, the Jordan Porco Foundation, sponsors, and friends will do just that by being part of this very special Ride for Gage event.
“No one should have to experience the tragedy of losing their child, the pain is forever there, and we are forever changed. But, supporting programs that I know are making a difference and helping save young adult lives, helps. It offers hope. We need hope. Young adults need hope. I hope you will join us and Ride for Gage,” said Joe Ferenc. Joe and his wife Ruthann raised Gage. Gage died by suicide in 2016 at age 19.
If you have been following the news lately, you know how critical suicide prevention is. Suicide can happen to anyone, anywhere. Suicide does not discriminate and is a major public health concern, especially for young adults.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young adults ages 15-24 in the U.S.
- Nationally, almost 1 in 5 high school students seriously considered suicide (including almost 1 in 4 females)
You or someone you know may be going through any number of these issues right now. This is your opportunity to help support suicide prevention and raise awareness during September, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
