In This Issue:

2015 Boston Marathon Team: 11 Days To Go

Last weekend, our 2015 Boston Marathon team passed $100,000 on CrowdRise, reaching 80% of their goal of $130,000. Each year, thousands of people reach out to Samaritans. Every dollar raised helps us pick up that phone call, answer that text, console that new survivor, provide that workshop - the one that saved someone's life.

Team members Jesse, Davia, Carrie and Nickie before a training run

On April 20, as our team run's the country's most prestigious marathon, 22 people will die by suicide in the United States. Another 550 people will attempt to take their own lives. We will be here for their families and communities.

Our community needs Samaritans' Boston Marathon team to reach their collective goal of $130,000. Please support them today, and share their CrowdRise page with your own networks to ask for their support.

Join us April 13th at the State House

2014 Marathon Team member Tricia Pierson with sister Lissa

Senator Joan Lovely of Salem will be speaking in Nurse's Hall at the Massachusetts Statehouse with our Executive Director, Steve Mongeau, on Monday, April 13 at 4PM. The event will take place in front of the Boston Strong Quilt, which features over 182 signatures of famous Bostonians and was auctioned off last year by marathon team member Tricia and created by her sister Lissa.

"As the city gets ready for the 119th Boston Marathon, it's exciting that State House visitors will be able to see the quilt on display," said Senator Joan Lovely. "I want to thank Samaritans for sharing the quilt in a public place, where we can collectively remember and continue the spirit of togetherness that united our city."

We hope that many of you are able to join us to hear Senator Lovely's remarks on the 13th, but if not, you can still visit the quilt in Nurse's Hall now through Marathon Monday (April 20th). If you are able to visit the Boston Strong Quilt, tweet us a picture @SamaritansHope and you could win two tickets to our Marathon After Party!

Will you Sponsor the Breakfast for Hope?

Talk to your colleagues today about preventing suicide as a corporate sponsor for the 2015 Breakfast for Hope! Corporate sponsors will receive:

An ad in our full color program book
Acknowledgements from the podium
Posts on social media
Company logo on event signage and website
Recognition in the event slideshow
A free table of ten at the Breakfast

We are also seeking individual sponsors, who will receive a listing in the program book and event slideshow, as well as a table of ten at the Breakfast.

Samaritans' annual Breakfast for Hope fundraiser showcases our life saving work and services through videos and testimonials. For guests of the event, there is no better way to fully appreciate the impact Samaritans has on the lives of others and the hope and happiness we bring to our community.

We hope you can join us for this year's Breakfast for Hope on May 13th at the Sheraton in Boston! This year's theme, "The difference you make," promises another informative Samaritans event for our community.

Click here to RSVP as an individual or reserve a table.

Click here to learn more about sponsoring the Breakfast as an individual or business. With 600 guests, the Breakfast is a great opportunity for visibility!

Register for the 5K by May 31st and save $5!

We are so excited to announce registration is now open for Samaritans 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention, which will be held on Saturday, September 26th in Artesani Park, Brighton.

Since last year's 5K, we have answered over 50,000 helpline calls, texts and chats; over 1,000 individuals have attended a Community Outreach and Education seminar; and over 500 individuals have participated in our Grief Support Services.

Now through May 31st, register for $20 to walk or $25 to run - click here to register!

We also need over 200 event volunteers for a successful 5K. If you would like to volunteer on your own or with a small group, click here. Contact us if you are interested in volunteering at the 5K and participating in the run/walk, or if you would like to form a large group of volunteers with your classmates, community group or coworkers.

As you well know, all of our services are free to all of those in need. Suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death for those under the age of 34, and the 10th leading cause of death overall in Massachusetts. This year, we have set an event goal of $375,000 towards our life saving suicide prevention services. Though fundraising is not required to participate, we hope you will help us get there!

Out and About

March was a very busy month for spreading awareness in the Community! Community Outreach and Education Manager Lauren Gablinske had a wide variety of presentations and fairs this month, but one that really stood was a training at Cambridge College. She had the opportunity to discuss how suicide awareness has previously been presented in their districts and share many facts about suicide rates that are eye opening to adolescents. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for ages 10-14 and 2nd leading cause of death for ages 15-24. She was so pleased to be able to speak with this wonderful group and come up with collaborative ways to educate their students on suicide awareness.

Suicide prevention training is an essential community need. If your school, company or community organization is interested in arranging a training, contact Lauren.

Open Positions

Interested in preventing suicide as a Samaritans' staff member? We are currently accepting applications for:

Upcoming Events

April

Visit the Boston Strong Quilt in Nurse's Hall at the Massachusetts State House for a chance to win two tickets to celebrate with Samaritans' Marathon Team - April 1 - April 20, intersection of Beacon and Park Street, Boston

Get fit with Marathon Team Member Deanna - Green Grass Fitness Bootcamp at Framingham State University Maple St. Field - Saturday, April 11 at 8:30AM, 22 Maple Street, Framingham, $20

Senator Joan Lovely and Samaritans' Executive Director Steve Mongeau will be speaking at the Massachusetts State House in front of the Boston Strong Quilt - Monday, April 14 at 4PM, intersection of Beacon and Park Street, Boston

Not Your Average Joe's in Needham will donate 15% of your bill towards Marathon Team Member Liz's goal if you present this coupon - Tuesday, April 14, 21 and 28, 109 Chapel Street, Needham

Head out to Marlborough for the 5K Run/Walk in Memory of Bianca Alesandra Reyes - Saturday, April 18, 11AM at The Rail Trail at the Moose Lodge, 67 Fitchburg Street, Marlborough, $25

Visit Nadine at Contemporary Trends and 50% of your salon service will be donated directly to marathon team member Mo's fundraising goal - 501 Daniel Webster Hwy in Merrimack, NH, now through April 20

Sara Colb and the Sagamore James Band LOVE LOVE, and Eric Martin (formerly of the Neats) will be performing at the Midway Cafe to support marathon team member Jesse's fundraising goal - Saturday, April 18 at 9AM, 3496 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain, $20

Cheer with Samaritans at Mile 17 during the Boston Marathon - Monday, April 20, 9:30 - 4PM

Lesley University students are hosting an art show, "Semi-Permanent Lifestyle: Urban Art and More" to benefit Samaritans at Arts at the Armory - Friday, April 24 from 7PM - 10:30PM at 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville

If you are a Boston Globe subscriber, remember to submit your GlobeGrant to help Samaritans win free ad space - deadline Thursday, April 30

May

Want to learn more about Samaritans, or introduce your friends and family to the organization you've come to know and love? Join us at the Breakfast for Hope - May 13th at 8AM at the Sheraton, 39 Dalton Street, Boston

Registration for the 2015 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention on September 26th is now open! - Register by May 31 to save $5