Frontline Service receives largest donation yet from Brunswick couple
From left to right; Joe and Laura Martovitz stand with Rick Oliver, PCC-S FrontLine Service Director of Crisis and Trauma Services and Susan Neth, MS, LSW FrontLine Service Executive Director after hand off their donation to the organization.
CLEVELAND - FrontLine Service formally received a check from Brunswick locals Laura and Joe Martovitz for $2,660, the most money they ever raised from their August fundraiser.
The two were amazed at the amount of money they received at their 8th annual Ride for Life Poker Run. Despite their fight against a torrential downpour, with less than a quarter of their usual attendees and during a pandemic, they were able to raise $2,660 for FrontLine Service’s Mobile Crisis Team and suicide prevention hotline.
They said they felt nervous starting out this year, but with less than a quarter of their usual attendees, they managed to raise $400 more than their previous highest amount.
The couple also did their best to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus at the event too, giving out hand sanitizers, protective equipment like masks and rubber gloves, administering temperature screenings, and enforcing social distancing while participating in the run.
Although very few attendees arrived at the event, the couple received so many donations, including some who left and came back to donate more, Laura said. The VFW Post 9520 in Brunswick generously donated $500 to support veteran suicide prevention. Laura said the outcome was nothing short of a miracle.
After losing her son to suicide, Laura said she spent the first three years in pain every single day. Then she decided she wanted to change her grief into action to make sure no one feels the pain that she was experiencing.
Laura’s son Jeremiah was a kind young man who was shy at first but “would never stop talking once he opened up to you.” Laura said she wished she recognized the signs of depression and suicidal thoughts when her son’s behavior changed suddenly. He started shutting people out, retreating to his room, and began drinking alcohol, which he never did before. Her son left behind four children and never had the chance to meet his new grandchild.
Laura said she feels concerned that the stigma that exists around mental illness and suicide prevents so many people from telling those closest to them that they need help. Families are afraid to ask sons/daughters/spouses if they have thoughts of killing themselves, and Laura said she knows the danger that exists in the silence. Asking someone if they have thoughts of suicide will not make them attempt suicide, she claimed, and reaching out for help is a brave and courageous act that should be encouraged, not seen as a sign of weakness.
In the past, the Ride for Life Poker Run would gain crowds of 100-150 with some attendees who also lost loved ones to suicide. This, she said, is what the event has always been about, supporting each other, sharing stories and information, and letting the community know that help is available and that there is no shame in reaching out and asking for help.
For 5 years, the Martovitz’s have raised nearly $9,000 for FrontLine Service, and Laura said she’s thankful for doing so. Her money specifically goes to FrontLine Service’s Mobile Crisis Team and the 24/7 suicide prevention hotline.
“There are so many people who need to be helped, and I think that FrontLine is one of the best organizations I’ve ever read about or worked with, ever.” She said.
Every day, thanks to donations and funding from people like Laura and Joe Martovitz, FrontLine is able to provide supportive and caring licensed clinicians 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those who are in crisis or their loved ones who need help.
After the end of the fundraiser event, Laura and Joe said they’re already planning for next year’s event. If there is anyone who is looking to help sponsor or support the event, contact Laura at: laura48m@gmail.com
About FrontLine Service
FrontLine Service reaches out and serves those that are vulnerable in our community – children traumatized by violence, people who are homeless, and those struggling with mental illness or suicidal thoughts – with empathy and commitment to their dignity.
Our Mission Statement: Reaching out to adults and children in Northeast Ohio to end homelessness, prevent suicide, resolve behavioral health crises, and overcome trauma.