A Source of Light in the Darkest Hours
I'm sure you were as shocked as I was the evening of August 11th when the news broke about Robin Williams' suicide. Robin's quick wit and vibrant personality kept us laughing for over 30 years. On the surface, the irony of America's "class clown" taking his own life was difficult to comprehend.
In the days that followed, local media turned to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for answers. The 2-1-1 Call Center and Suicide Prevention staff was interviewed by numerous television stations and publications as they discussed suicide warning signs and prevention resources. The national suicide prevention line (1-800-273-TALK), which connects locally to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, was promoted through various forms of media. Calls to 2-1-1 more than doubled in the days following the news about Robin Williams and are still higher than normal to this day.
It takes a caring, patient, and compassionate person to answer those 2-1-1 calls. This is just one example of the exceptional people you'll meet here. I've been involved with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for almost 10 years as a donor, volunteer, and board member. For the past 2 years, I've had the honor of serving as the Chair of the Crisis Center's Board of Directors. This has been an amazing and deeply rewarding experience. I've grown to know many of the volunteers and staff at the Crisis Center and have witnessed their passion and commitment.
My term as Board Chair will come to an end on September 30th and the position will now be in the very capable hands of Gary Weisman. I will remain involved with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay as a sustainer society member, legacy society member, board member, and a member of the finance committee. The reason I stay involved is simple...the Crisis Center saves lives! Through 2-1-1, Corbett Trauma Center, TransCare, and numerous other programs and services, the Crisis Center is here to intervene and provide guidance during people's darkest hours.
None of this is possible without the support of people like you, who volunteer their time and share their financial resources to help ensure that no one faces crisis alone! The Crisis Center's financial year ends on September 30th. Your support is needed as we start a new year so the Crisis Center can continue to provide help, hope, and healing in the Tampa Bay area!
