By RICKY KERR
Hays Post
Saturday is World Suicide Prevention Day, and one local organization is working to help those affected by suicide.
“Come As You Are” is the theme for Saturday’s community event at the Fox Pavilion in Hays. Organized by the Scott Alan Project, the night is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide and depression.
The Scott Alan Project was formed in remembrance of founder Chance Pitcock’s uncle, Scott Alan Pitcock.
“When I was younger, my dad’s brother committed suicide and it had a huge impact on me and my family,” Pitcock said. “A lot of people go through depression and have suicidal thoughts or know someone who has.”
Pitcock explained that the organization is focused on uniting the community.
” ‘Come As You Are’ is about everybody coming out no matter who you are. You don’t have to dress up nice or be somebody you aren’t. Just come and be comfortable. It’s about us uniting,” he said.
The organization began to come together when 21-year-old Pitcock teamed up with Fort Hays State University graphic design student Eric Stumon. He asked Stumon to design a tattoo in dedication to his deceased uncle.
“Chance had the idea for a tattoo,” Stumon said. “Once we had it on paper, it was just really appealing to the eye, and it really inspired us to turn it into a movement.”
“We started selling the clothing and telling the story to more and more people, and we were surprised by how many people could relate, or had been impacted by suicide or depression,” Pitcock said. “Eric and I decided to start putting the money we made toward a non-profit organization that could host events, help the community, and bring even more people together.
“Suicide and depression is something that isn’t talked about often, and we wanted to change that,” he added.
Stumon was able to connect with Pitcock off of the strength of the message of the movement.
“One of my best friends was reported as a suicide, one of my best friends at Hays High,” Stumon said. “It’s kind of hard for people to tell those stories, and this helps. You aren’t alone.”
Stumon said his passion has built for the project after hearing stories from others who have connected with the movement.
“We put the logo on some hoodies and people were intrigued with it so we kind of kept going. We were amazed by how many could relate, or had been impacted in some way by suicide or depression,” he said.
The two began printing the design on T-shirts, and after launching the website scottalanproject.com, they began selling the shirts to raise the funding needed to start a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
They are now poised to host their first event tomorrow, continuing to spread their message.
The “Come As You Are” event will feature keynote speaker Maxandra Desrosiers, who will share her personal story.
“Maxandras story has always moved me, so it will definitely inspire anybody in the room,” Pitcock said.
The event will also feature a performance from Texas rock band STOMPDRAG. Mike Krug, STOMPDRAG lead singer, played in a band with Scott Alan Pitcock before his passing.
S.A.P. clothing will be available at the event.
Pitcock said the event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of sponsorships from the local Wendy’s, Wolf Furniture, Bon-a-pet-treat and Radke Implement.
All proceeds will go toward the formation of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, student scholarships, and hosting future events.
Tickets are available at a discount on the Scott Alan Project website using the discount code SEPT10. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event kicks off at 7 p.m.
