September 2024

Message from Grace Gallagher

Executive Director, CKG Foundation

Cameron taught and continues to teach me a profound lesson in understanding empathy, compassion, and resilience. Her life, her example, continues to fuel my dedication in supporting those who struggle, often in silence behind a mask. I'm committed to shaking up the way we approach teen mental health. I am proud how CKG continues to be innovative and unique. As we continue to grow and make a more meaningful and bigger impact on teen mental health, I'm excited to announce my transition from Executive Director to Chair of the Board. This new role will allow me to focus on strategic growth and ensure we amplify our mission even further. Along with my responsibilities as Chair of the Board I will be hosting an exciting new podcast Conversations with CKG- Brainwaves Unplugged. This platform will allow us to dive deeper into important conversations and amplify the voices that need to be heard. Stay tuned for more information coming your way!


David and I are honored to lead the charge to shake up the mental health world. We proudly SpeakUp! We are committed to ensuring Cameron’s story is heard, and that others who struggle know they are not alone. January 21, 1998, we held her in our arms together – we continue to hold her in our arms as we lead The Cameron K Gallagher Board of Directors together as Chair and Vice Chair.


I am thrilled to share that Missy Minton will assume the role of Executive Director. Missy has been a loyal and dedicated member of the foundation for over nine years. Her commitment and heartfelt enthusiasm have played a crucial role in the foundation’s growth. Missy’s drive and deep sense of purpose will guide CKG toward continued success and profound impact.

Read full newsletter Here

Message from Missy Minton

I am deeply humbled and honored to be taking the reins of Cameron’s foundation as the new Executive Director. I truly feel that almost 10 years ago I was given this amazing gift of meeting David & Grace in a time and space of unbelievable grief. What has inspired me the most has been how we take pain and turn it into purpose. The Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation has an incredible purpose, and we have work to do. I cannot wait to share more about this in our October newsletter, introduce you to our amazing team (to include two new teammates), and share a little bit more about myself and my family. Change can be hard, but change is necessary in order to grow. Our mission remains the same, but the last few years have shown us that the landscape of teen mental health has shifted, and we will remain nimble and creative in how we tackle it. I hope you all will stand shoulder to shoulder with us as we navigate our future.

Cameron and the birth of the SpeakUp5k

Cameron Gallagher was a bright and talented teenager. Although ever-smiling, she faced her own personal battles with depression and anxiety. She began to grow weary of keeping her struggles a private battle, and knew that there were many teens just like her who were in great pain behind closed doors. Her dream was to create a 5k race in her community to raise awareness of teenage depression. She began making plans for the race, and titled the race the SpeakUp5k in order to draw attention to the issue of teen depression. She wanted to let other teens like herself know that it was okay to “SpeakUp” about their personal battles. Cameron designed the “Fun Zones” to happy and vibrant, she had written an email to Sweet Frog to be the very first sponsor, and created the Facebook page that you all see today. As time passes, it is important to remember her “why” and to not lose sight of the battle before us. As Cameron said, “Let’s Finish This.”

SpeakUp5k - It's Race Week!

It's SpeakUp5k time!! If you have not already registered, there is still time to SpeakUp for teen mental health with us on Sept 7 at Byrd Park or virtually. If you are not able to participate this year please consider making a donation to the SpeakUp5k.


Byrd Park participants: Packet pickup at the CKG office (3200 Rockbridge Street RVA 23230) on:

  • Tuesday, September 3: 9-2pm and 4-7pm
  • Wednesday, September 4: 9-1pm
  • Thursday, September 5: 9-2pm and 4-7pm

*If you plan to pick up for a team, or are picking up more than five packets, please email raceinfo@ckgfoundation.org at least one hour before arrival. We will do our best to pull them for you in advance.

**You will see 'No Parking' signs on Rockbridge in front of the CKG office. You CAN park here, this is reserved for race participants.**


Virtual participants: all registered virtual participants packets have been shipped. If you are participating virtually and selected to pick up your packet at CKG you can do so during the days and times listed above.


All participants: Click here to read more about everything you need to know for race day and be sure to check your email this week for updates.

Register Now!

We love our Sponsors!

A HUGE thank you to our 5k sponsors at the $5,000 level and up:

  • Dominion Payroll
  • iSolved
  • Allianz
  • ReeseBrooks
  • Williams Mullen
  • Threads Uniform Agency
  • CBS6



  • Wealthspire/NFP
  • Mungo Homes
  • OrthoVirginia
  • Miller Financial Services
  • Closet Factory
  • Kristen Cavallo
  • Richmond Dermatology


Mental Health Education

We are excited to welcome students and faculty back for the 2024-25 school year! We look forward to visiting our SpeakUp Clubs this fall and seeing all the wonderful things students will do throughout the year.

Are you interested in joining or starting a club? Contact program@ckgfoundation.org for more information!

Learn More

CKG Spirit Store is Back Open!


Back by Popular Demand: CKG Spirit Store! The store is open now through September 14th. Check out sweats, shirts, swag and more by clicking here!

View the Store

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

Support our Mission
News

You Are Not Alone. Resources Are Available.



Mental Health Resources

Cameron K. Gallagher Mental Health Resource Center

Conversations with CKG Video Recordings


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


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