Fundraising Focus: Five Years of Taking Steps to Support Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness

Five years ago, our Moxie Pest Control family experienced a loss that forever changed us. Following the death of our daughter by suicide, what began as a deeply personal journey of grief and healing grew into a company-wide commitment to supporting suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and the important work of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

Since that time, AFSP's mission has become an important part of our company culture. We believe that raising awareness, encouraging conversations about mental health, and supporting those who are struggling can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

One of the ways we honor this commitment happens at our annual Operations Retreat in Cancun, Mexico. For the past five years, we have organized an early morning, informal version of one of AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Walks as an optional event during the retreat. These Walks provide an opportunity for reflection, remembrance, connection, and support. They remind us that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a story that matters.

This past February, during our Operations Retreat in Cancun, we experienced a particularly meaningful moment. Our retreat schedule was packed with meetings, training sessions, and team activities, leaving little time for relaxation or downtime. As my husband and I were walking over to the meeting place where the Walk was to begin, we were feeling a little guilty about putting this event on the schedule and asking our team members to sacrifice much needed sleep to attend. Yet, as the meeting spot came into view, with the ocean as the backdrop and the sun beginning to rise, we saw a large group of our operations team gathering to participate in the Walk.

What was especially touching was not just the number of people who attended, but the willingness they showed to sacrifice precious rest and personal time in order to support a cause that has become important to our organization. Seeing the majority of our operations team show up before sunrise was a powerful reminder that our company’s commitment to mental health awareness extends far beyond words.

Their participation reflected something we value deeply at Moxie: caring for one another as people first. The Walk was a visible demonstration of compassion, empathy, and solidarity. It showed that when one member of our company family hurts, others are willing to stand beside them.

Over the past five years, our support of AFSP has included fundraising efforts, participation in awareness events, and ongoing conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. We recognize that many individuals and families face silent struggles, and we want to be part of creating a culture where seeking help is encouraged and where people know they are not alone.

While we cannot change the past, we can honor those we have lost by continuing to advocate for awareness, education, research, and support. Every step taken during an Out of the Darkness Walk represents hope — hope that lives can be saved, hope that stigma can be reduced, and hope that those who are struggling will find the support they need.

We are grateful to every member of our team who has participated in these Walks and supported this mission over the years. Your willingness to show up, listen, care, and walk alongside others embodies the very best of who we are.

As we look ahead, Moxie remains committed to supporting the work of AFSP and helping bring mental health conversations out of the shadows and into the light. Together, we will continue walking—one step at a time—toward greater awareness, understanding, and hope.

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Learn more about AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Walks here.