Event’s importance reinforced by recent reports showing Indiana among highest rated in the U.S. for teen suicides
 A new report from the Indiana Youth Institute has shown Indiana has the highest rate in the country of teens who have considered suicide and the second highest rate of those who attempted it. Seeking to give the residents of the Tri-State area hope in life, I am Second is hosting I am Second Live on Feb. 26 to raise funds for local non-profits helping those in need.
“Even before we heard these newest study results, we knew that people in the Tri-State were hurting,” said Marie Harris, I am Second’s local coordinator in Evansville. “I am Second is all about hope, and we believe strategic partnerships with other local non-profits can reverse recent disheartening statistics like these. I am Second Live is an opportunity to celebrate what has been done and what can be done in the future in our community through sharing a message of hope and serving our residents.”
I am Second is a movement centered on storytelling through powerful short films with a significant message. Its website, iamsecond.com, features more than 100 films of athletes, actors, models, musicians, politicians and everyday people who have stepped in front of the camera and declared, “I am Second.”
Organizers of I am Second Live will donate the first $20,000 raised during the event to Community One and the Evansville YMCA. Additional proceeds from the event will benefit future I am Second Evansville films and activities.
Hosted by New York Times No. 1 bestselling author Eric Metaxas, I am Second Live will feature American Idol alum Danny Gokey, who will perform and speak about his personal experience with city transformation in Nashville through his non-profit, Sophia’s Heart, as it relates to the impact I am Second is having on Evansville; local musicians Gina Moore and After Hours; and individuals who have shared their personal stories through films on iamsecond.com, including television personality Randy Moore and hip-hop artist Sean Little.
Additionally, Lindsay Schroer, wife of Evansville Police Detective Nathan Schroer who lost a nine-year battle with leukemia in November 2013 shortly after filming his story with I am Second, will also attend.
I am Second Live will be held Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at the historic Victory Theatre. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.victorytheatre.com/events/view/1328 or at the Ford Center Ticket Office by calling (812) 422-1515.
“We have heard numerous stories of how I am Second is making a difference in the lives of those in our community,” Harris said. “Through I am Second Live, we hope to garner support to grow that impact with the help of local organizations who are also working to make the Tri-State a better place.”
A recent survey of men and women across 19 counties in the Tri-State completed by KES Research Group validates the positive impact of I am Second on the community: 72 percent said they had a positive life change including improved life management abilities, relationships, work/school efforts and health choices because of I am Second while 73 percent have experienced spiritual life changes.
I am Second was created in 2008 and first launched in Dallas, Texas. After an overwhelming response, I am Second expanded its grassroots efforts to additional markets.Evansville became the third official launch city in January 2011 with the release of the iamsecond.com short film featuring Moore. Since this time, I am Second Evansville has continued to grow in influence and size, releasing additional films highlighting local individuals. For additional information, visit http://www.iamsecond.com.
Organized community efforts are a good thing, but they work best in conjunction with individuals in the community who will offer one-on-one personal guidance to troubled young people.
“We have heard numerous stories of how I am Second is making a difference in the lives of those in our community,†Harris said. “Through I am Second Live, we hope to garner support to grow that impact with the help of local organizations who are also working to make the Tri-State a better place.â€
And the organizations in turn reach out to the individual. You didn’t pick that up.
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