Haley Comfort Systems presents check from the Oktoberfest Suicide Prevention Event – ABC 6 News

(ABC 6 News)- When someone dies by suicide, the number of other lives affected is immeasurable. On Tuesday, Haley Comfort Systems helped out by presenting a check from the money raised during the annual “Oktoberfest Suicide Prevention” event.

The money will support three different mental health organizations, all aimed at helping anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide.

More than $130,000 was raised at this year’s event on October 4. Haley Comfort Systems says the event originally started four years ago as a way to spread the word about suicide. Something they emphasize that isn’t talked about enough in our community.

“It commemorates those who have died by suicide, but also makes people feel like they are part of a community coming together to hopefully reduce the risk of suicide in the future,” said Nicole Haley, the marketing manager of Haley’s Comfort.

The three organizations that partnered with Haley Comfort this year were Aiden’s Light, Nami and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Each chose to use the donated money in different ways.

Aiden’s Light in particular was founded after the suicide of a 17th-year-old named Aiden and his family. They plan to use the money to teach more children about mental health in schools.

“We do Rochester schools, we go to Zumbrota-Mazeppa. We’re going to Hayfield. So we’re excited to bring more suicide prevention to area schools,” said Jennifer Hegge, co-founder of Aiden’s Light.

The Oktoberfest Suicide Prevention Event is expected to take place in 2025. Click for more information here.