Grand Opening Party For New "Survivors of Suicide" Sim

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

Saturday I went over to see the new region that the Surviors of Suicide group has to as a non profit organization. The opening party celebrated this move with vigor. 

Loreen Aldrin was entertaining the visitors with lovely songs and dancers filled the dance floor.  Sebastien Bouevier, owner and managing director of the group, was there having a great time.

“Survivors of Suicide is a mental health peer support group that has helped thousands of people since our humble beginnings 13 years ago back in 2008.While we may exist only in a virtual space, what we do has a positive impact in the real lives of those who use our services.” To learn more about the group check out the article and interview Bixyl did with Sebastien in 2017.  At this time the mission is the same and perhaps more crucial.

I took a tour to check out the new place and it is lovely. There are many sites to visit and a good teleport to move around if you like. Walking is pleasent through a charming landscape and it is fun to come upon  place to sit and ponder. There is a game area, a Cafe, and other gathering places . Check the teleport board at various sites for more.

 The office is open and the directors and mentors have a linking photo on the wall for those who would like to contact one of them. Meetings are held at various time and days for support . The calendar gives the days and times of the gatherings. https://www.survivorsofsuicidesl.org/calendar . If you would like to visit the region here is a good place to start. 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Survivors%20of%20Suicide/75/122/25

Gemma Cleanslate

"Survivors of Suicide" Valentine Ball

On Saturday February 11th, the "Survivors of Suicide" depression-support group held a Valentine's Day Ball. Besides some much needed fun and music for some of the volunteers and group members, the ball was also a fundraiser to take in some Lindens for group expenses. The event was held at the Moon Spirit Club.

Come and join us for a Valentine Ball and fundraiser from 5-8 PM SL time tonight. Wear you sexy valentines outfit. Attached is the invite. I would be most honored if you came. The fundraiser is for the survivors of suicide group.

Dropping in on the party, it started out small at first, but gradually grew in numbers. At it's peak, over two dozen people were there. They were a mix of SoS volunteers and other members, including group leader Krissy Sinclair, Moon Spirit regulars, and a number of others. No one was certainly acting like they were members of a depression support group at the start.

People happily danced away to the music provided by DJ Sunflower Humbridge, whom declined accepting tips. She instead asked people to donate what they would otherwise give her to the depression support group. And the dancers did donate a fair amount of funds, having a good time to the music. At one point, a newbie in a gold robot avatar stumbled in, dancing on the dance pole, which provided some chuckles to the event.

Unfortunately, some sad news reached the party. This was the time news of the tragic death of Whitney Houston made the news, and word spread across Second Life. At the party, the people expressed shock and surprise, as well as worries her name would be dragged through the mud, given her troubled history. Songs were requested, and played, in her honor, such as "I Will Always Love You" and "Run to You," from the movie "The Bodyguard" she starred in, "Save the Best for Last," and "The Greatest Love of All."


I decided long ago,
never to walk in anyone's shadows.
If I fail, if I succeed,
At least I live as I believe.
No matter what they take from me,
They can't take away my dignity.
Because the greatest love of all,
Is happening to me.
I found the greatest love of all,
Inside of me.
The greatest love of all,
Is easy to achieve.
Learning to love yourself,
It is the greatest love of all.



The event went on for two hours before the participants went their separate ways. The SoS group meets every Sunday at Noon SL time in the San Jose East Sim.

Bixyl Shuftan