|
|
Message from Missy Minton
Executive Director, CKG Foundation
| |
When I was asked to consider taking on the position of Executive Director, I have to admit that my initial emotion was that of being intimidated. I had confidence that I knew how to do the job, but I immediately felt the weight of not being Cameron’s mom and telling her story could look and feel different. Before I said yes, I reflected on my own mental health and that of a 16-year-old me. I still struggle with anxiety, but it no longer has power over me. Once I became a mom, I realized one of my purposes for my three impressionable young girls was to ensure they knew it was ok to be vulnerable and vocal with regard to their own mental health.
Today I am following that same advice that I have given to my three teenage daughters and carrying it into our mission delivery at CKG. Our very capable team is firm in its resolve to fulfill Cameron’s dream and legacy...
| |
|
Staff Updates
We are excited to welcome two new staff members to the CKG Team.
|  | |
Catie-Reagan King is the Director of Mental Health Education at the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation, where she brings a unique blend of expertise in education, communications, and the arts. With a doctorate in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University and a master's in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons School of Design, she is skilled at creating impactful educational programs that foster mental health awareness. Her career includes roles as the editor of an academic research journal and instructor at a residential treatment center for people with eating disorders. She now focuses on leveraging her design thinking skills and strategic communication experience to advance mental health education and support for youth. Her multidisciplinary background allows her to approach mental health education with creativity, empathy, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
|  | Grace Skelton joins our team in a new role, Special Events Coordinator. Her responsibilities will include support of the SpeakUp5k and Karting4CKG. Grace is a graduate of Atlee High School and Virginia Commonwealth University. She was the founder of the Atlee High School SpeakUp Club, which now proudly boasts over 150 students. Skilled in customer relationships and sales, Grace will utilize her talents to build upon our events and ensure they reach the appropriate audience. No stranger to CKG, Grace grew up as a family friend to Cameron and the Gallagher family. Her passion for teen mental health is only matched by her love for Cameron and the movement she started. | | |
|
|
Thank YOU for an amazing 11th Annual SpeakUp5k!! Over 2,000 people gathered in Byrd Park on September 7th and several hundred joined us virtually to celebrate teen mental health! We could not do what we do without our participants, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers! We hope you take the positive spirit of race day and carry it with you year round and remember that you are not alone! Thank you for helping us raise over $186,000 to keep our teen mental health programs free.
If you have not done so already please send race day pictures to raceinfo@ckgfoundation.org.
| | | |
|
|
We are excited to welcome FOUR new schools to the SpeakUp Club family: Mechanicsville High School, Godwin High School, Hanover High School, and St. Christopher's! They are starting new SpeakUp clubs this fall, so if you know students at either of these schools, be sure to spread the word.
This month's wellness tip is all about finding your calm amidst the chaos: Embrace the Power of Deep Breathing: When life gets overwhelming, it’s easy to forget to breathe deeply. But taking just a few minutes each day to focus on your breath can make a big difference. Deep breathing helps reduce stress, improve concentration, and promote a sense of calm.
| | | |
|
Feature Article: CKG's SpeakUp5k Advocates for Teen Mental Health
by Sherrie Page
| |
It’s an honor to introduce the article, “CKG’s SpeakUp5k Advocates for Teen Mental Health,” currently on newsstands in Virginia Living’s October 2024 issue. I first wrote about SpeakUp5k’s inaugural race in 2014. At the time, I didn’t know the Gallaghers, but my heart ached for their loss, and I struggled to find the words for how a family could find the strength to build this meaningful legacy in the midst of so much grief. Since then, I’ve been blessed to get to know the Gallagher family and CKG through my work as a school nurse, health & wellness coordinator, and doctoral student. Cameron's family exemplifies how to heal and live a life of meaning: through purpose. When we have a purpose, the rest falls into place easier — there is a reason to get up in the morning, even on the darkest days.
Now, coming full circle, I am grateful to get to write about the same event a little over a decade later. It’s amazing to see how the SpeakUp5k...
| | | |
|
Latest News & Upcoming Events | |
-
Karting4CKG 2024 was a tremendous success thanks to our wonderful sponsors and the incredible pro drivers that volunteered their time. Each driver was paired with a set of three amateurs to compete for the fastest times around Virginia International Raceway’s world-famous kart track. This invigorating day was full of exciting competition as each team battled to be the fastest. Darrell Jervey, a CKG board member and team sponsor said, “This is always a great day, but this year's event was the best ever. We cannot wait until next year!” Not only was this an amazing day at VIR, but we were able to raise $92,500, which in turn will keep CKG’s mental health education and resources free.
-
We are grateful to Mellow Mushroom Short Pump for offering to host a 2nd CKG Spirit Night on Thursday, Oct. 24. Whether you dine in or order takeout, just mention CKG and the Foundation receives 15% of sales.
| | |
Stay in the Loop!
Be sure to stay in the loop with all things CKG by signing up for text updates!
Simply text JOIN to 855-267-3782.
| |
Thank You
Your support of our mission impacts not only individual teens and schools, but our community as a whole and generations to come. We are grateful that you choose to partner with us.
Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation
3200 Rockbridge Street, Suite 102
Richmond, VA 23230
| |
|
Our Mission
To fulfill Cameron's dream and legacy by being a positive force that works to cultivate awareness and understanding of teen depression anxiety.
The CKG Foundation is qualified as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code: Tax ID 46-5172019. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
All rights reserved.
Contact Us
3200 Rockbridge Street, Suite 102
Richmond, VA 23230
info@ckgfoundation.org
www.ckgfoundation.org
| | | | |
