Max Challenge Raises Funds and Awareness for Suicide Prevention

Every 20 seconds, someone dies of suicide. While suicide is a global phenomenon, it’s hitting New Jersey hard. Rich Bruno, owner of The Max Challenge of Old Bridge and Manalapan, along with his wife Maureen, are rallying the community to come together to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at the Max Night of Giving to be held on Friday, April 3 at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge.

Max centers across the country host events to raise awareness and funds for causes close to their local communities. The Old Bridge-Manalapan event, themed Out of the Darkness, will donate 100% of the proceeds to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). More than a fundraiser, the bigger vision is to support the mission of saving lives and give hope to those affected by suicide.

“For the past few years we knew in our hearts that this was the cause we wanted to get behind,” said Maureen Bruno, co-owner of The Max Challenge of Old Bridge and Manalapan. “The statistics are heart wrenching. With the rise in death by suicide and mental health issues, it truly is a community issue. Recognizing the number of individuals who pass through our doors and are touched by suicide, we wanted to bringing awareness, education, and light to this epidemic.”

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death in children and adults ages 10-24. In New Jersey, someone dies of suicide every 11 hours.

“As a Max Challenge member for more than six years, and a volunteer with the AFSP, this event has special meaning to me,” said Old Bridge resident Maria Bellino. “Both organizations have helped me cope with grief after losing my brother to suicide in July 2018. The Max is filled with instructors and members who push you to be your best physically and mentally. After losing my brother, I made AFSP a key resource in my life and have been volunteering with the NJ Chapter at Community Walks to support others in local communities.”

Added Alex Candido, manager of the Max Challenge of Old Bridge, “There’s no describing the feeling of working together as a community towards a goal – and achieving it. We are on a mission to raise at least $30,000, but the most important aspect is educating people. If one at-risk person receives this information, we just may have saved a life.”

AFSP has been able to set a goal to reduce the annual suicide rate 20% by 2025. Manalapan and Old Bridge have real opportunity to come together to make that goal a reality.

“I am grateful that our Max Community is getting together to break the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses,” said Thai Lettiere. “No one should suffer in silence.”

“Whether you are battling with mental illness or a survivor of suicide loss, everyone needs to know there is help out there, and that people really do care,” added Bellino. “As a community, let’s come together to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.”

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When: Friday, Friday April 3, 2019

Where: Grand Marquis, 1550 Route 9 South, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Included: Dinner, Dessert, Beer, Wine, Sangria

Dancing, Casino Games & INCREDIBLE Raffle Prizes!

Price Per Ticket: $120.00

Dress Code: Cocktail party attire preferred for not required.

For more information or questions about the event or how you can donate contact Alex or Maureen at Alex@themaxchallenge.com.