Mary Alice Reporting –
A local gym is getting ready to host a Saturday memorial event that benefits the Dennison K9 unit.
Barbells Gym II, in Uhrichsville, started the memorial to raise awareness of mental health after Officer Andrew Keller took his own life in March 2020.
Manager Danara LaMonica says Keller was a friend and gym member and this is a way to honor him and give back.
“It was a very tragic thing that happened and we just try to make sure it doesn’t happen again, especially to our local first responders. The [raised] money will go to benefit Dennison K9 and police and for Light After Loss.”
The non-profit, from Stark County, provides a support system for survivors of suicide and are expanding into Tuscarawas County.
Proceeds will be raised through a silent auction and registration fees for the car show and a Pump N’ Run.
“People will try to bench press their body weight and they go right into a mile run after they do the bench press, so there will be a fun little competition going on too.”
Food truck and vendors will also be set up on July 8th, from 10am to 4pm, at the gym’s location, in the Claymont Shopping Center at McCauley Drive.
For anyone struggling, contact the national suicide and crisis hotline by dialing 988.
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