Photo credit Clint James Photography
Submitted
Shake off the winter blues with dinner, a silent auction, a balloon pop, and live music at CONTACT Care Line’s annual “Bursting the Blues Gala.” The evening will offer attendees the opportunity to celebrate the coming of spring, win prizes, and help CONTACT raise money to support those most at risk in its nine-county service area. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 4, from 6-9 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in Oak Ridge.
Contrary to popular myth, suicide rates are highest in spring and are lowest in winter. Studies dating back as far as the early 1800s have demonstrated that this trend has remained constant since then. Researchers are uncertain of the cause. In 2016, Tennessee lost 938 people to suicide, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To reduce these numbers, CONTACT has joined more than 160 crisis centers across the country to form the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As the only Care Line call center in East Tennessee, CONTACT Care Line provides a confidential crisis line to anyone who needs a listening ear or a referral for other community resources.
CONTACT also provides support for the homebound through its Reassurance Program. This service is designed to help senior citizens continue living safely in their homes by providing them with regular connection to others through daily phone calls.
The “Bursting the Blues Gala” will help provide much needed funding to continue both the Care Line and the Reassurance Program.
Jimmy Logston will provide live music in a variety of genres and will entertain requests. The silent auction offers a variety of treasures including a gourmet meal for 14 guests, hotel stays, wine, and a University of Tennessee signed basketball, among others. All those who purchase a balloon for a modest donation will be rewarded with a gift card/certificate from a local business or cash when the balloon is popped.
Tickets are $50 and must be purchased in advance by March 1. Tickets are available at https://burstingtheblues.eventbrite.com or from the organization’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ContactListens/.
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