Local business hosts suicide awareness fundraiser

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A local business in Topeka hosted a fundraising event to put an eye on suicide prevention in the community.

“We’re doing this to raise money. Because I don’t want any parent to have to go through this at all,” said Tracy Serrano, mother to Bryce Parrish. Parrish took his life at the age of 35 on August 21st.

“Bryce Parrish was an athlete. He played football for Topeka High. He played offense defense. He was great,” said Serrano.

His close cousin, Kelly Vanhollebeke, who owns Mystic Market in West Ridge Mall, decided to hold a silent auction in his honor.

“So everything you see here today, all that will go towards 988 (The Suicide and Crisis Hotline). So NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will donate the money and send it here, locally, here in Kansas instead of some corporate office, sending it to other states that are not relevant. But this is for here in Kansas,” said Bradley Parrales, who does marketing for Mystic Market.

Each item offered in the auction was curated to support local businesses in Topeka. Some items sold in the store, like the Chad(wick) candle, also had their funds go to the 988 hotline.

” All the stuff was donated by local supporters and businesses. I’m really glad the community came together to make this happen,” said Parrales.

NAMI had a table at the auction, presenting information to help those in vulnerable positions. Bryce’s mother wants you to remember to check on those closest to you.

“Just check on everybody and just see if they’re ok,” said Serrano. “If you feel like you can’t help them, send them someplace where they can get the help that they need, because that’s the most important thing.”

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, and need help, feel free to call the suicide and crisis hotline at 988.

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