Organization seeks to raise mental health awareness

By Staff Writer

In order to help raise awareness and funds that empower youth to eradicate the stigma of mental illness, the Let's Erase the Stigma (LETS) Educational Foundation continues to implement innovative fundraising events. LETS will hold their First Annual Benefit and Silent Auction this week. The evening will include performances by a youth jazz band and awards presented to LETS high schoolers as well as other community leaders.

LETS is an educational foundation that helps young adults become community leaders who are focused on erasing the stigma of mental illness. LETS provides resources for youth to initiate peer-to-peer dialogue about mental illness.

LETS founder Phil Fontilea said that kids are driving energy into a movement that is usually only looked at clinically. He added that it takes out-of-the-box thinking to fund nonprofits in today's economic environment.

Future fundraising events will include rock-climbing events, urban in-city golf tournaments that convert everyday cityscapes into golf courses, cycling, family-focused golf tournaments, racecar driving and a sailing regatta.