Here's the Scoop: We did it!

Here’s the Scoop: How Our Ellicott City Community Came Together for Suicide Prevention

When a young life is lost to suicide, the impact doesn’t stop with one family. It ripples outward—through classrooms, neighborhoods, friendships, and entire communities.

"When my son's good friend took his own life in 8th grade, we could not imagine the ripple effect it would have on our family, our neighbors, and the entire community. More than two years later we are all still feeling the weight and grief of this unimaginable loss. I would say to any young person who is struggling that you may have no idea how much love and support surround you, if you just take the first step of reaching out for help.” -a voice from our community.

These words matter. Because the reality is sobering.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people 10-34 years old, and the fourth leading cause of death among people 35-44 years old. In 2019, 47,500 people in our country died by suicide.”

Behind every statistic is a story, a family, and a community forever changed.

Turning Grief Into Purpose: A Community Impact Initiative

As we start a new month and welcome the approach of cooler autumn weather I can’t help but think back to how special September was when our community came together to raise awareness of suicide prevention. So many of us have been touched in some way by the suicide of a family member, friend, colleague, loved one, or acquaintance. It leaves a searing pain that never goes away. As Pam Long Photography continues it's ongoing commitment to community philanthropy, I felt it was important to support an organization that stands on the front lines for people in crisis.

That organization is Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center.

Grassroots provides 24/7 support, resources, and hope for individuals and families when they need it most. Supporting their mission aligned perfectly with our belief that community impact begins with human connection.

When an Idea Meets a Big-Hearted Community

I’ve always believed that when an idea is rooted in heart, the right people will lean in, something I see time and again in Howard County, where community fundraisers and local philanthropy are deeply supported.

When I shared my vision for a suicide prevention fundraiser, it was clear this was work my team and I were meant to lead. I reached out to my friend Julia Sanger, owner of Park Ridge Creamery, because the courtyard her shop is part of is a natural gathering place, one that is easily accessible and already draws people together.

With thoughtful planning, hands-on work from my staff, and the warmth and visibility of community-loved Ellicott City businesses, Here’s the Scoop became a community impact event that reflected what’s possible when purpose and partnership align.

Ice Cream, Conversation, and Connection

The day of the event greeted us with blazing sunshine, perfect weather for ice cream and gathering together. People stopped by for a cup or cone, but what they stayed for were the conversations.

Stories were shared. Memories honored. Tears shed. Over ice cream, we recommitted ourselves to letting anyone who is struggling know this truth:

You are not alone. And there is no stigma in asking for help.

Our small courtyard filled with powerful resources and even more powerful people, including:

Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
Howard County Health Department
Howard County Police Department

We were also honored to welcome Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, who quite literally rolled up his sleeves to serve as a celebrity ice cream scooper, an unforgettable moment that brought smiles and visibility to an incredibly important cause.

Generosity That Took My Breath Away

Throughout the day, the generosity of our community left me speechless—again and again.

Local businesses quietly donated gift cards and products, creating raffle baskets worth more than $600. Support even reached beyond Ellicott City, with SteelFire Kitchen and Bar contributing additional gift baskets that raised hundreds more dollars.

Additional cash donations totaling $650 came from beloved local businesses, including:

Clayground Studio and Gallery
Little Market Cafe
Sweet Cascades

Even our 50/50 raffle carried a moment of pure grace. The winner, Gayle Killen, generously donated her entire $500+ winnings back to Grassroots. It was one of many moments that day that brought tears to my eyes.

When my friend Ray Peele from the Beyond the Badge Foundation arrived with a $1000 donation, I was overwhelmed. The Beyond the Badge Foundation's commitment to supporting young people, especially in the wake of recent challenges, reinforced what I know to be true: real change happens when big hearts and strong networks come together.

A Moment I Will Never Forget

As the day came to a close, Julia from Park Ridge Creamery presented a final check, $600 representing her profits and donated tips.

But the most poignant moment came quietly.

A mother approached me and shared that she had seen my post about the fundraiser. Years earlier, her teenage daughter had died by suicide. During our conversation, she removed a bracelet from her wrist and placed it in my hand.

In her daughter’s memory, she founded the Katrina Tagget Memorial Foundation, determined that no other parent should have to endure the pain she lives with every day.

That moment stays with me. Always.

The generosity of local businesses continues to astonish me. I was touched by the gracious goodness of The Clayground, Little Market Cafe, and Sweet Cascades which combined, donated an additional $650 IN CASH. I'm grateful for the kindness and generosity that Michael, Ellen, Matt, Jeni, and Sue share.

Throughout the day we sold tickets for a 50/50 raffle. One of the many locals who stopped by, Gayle Killen, our lucky winner, generously returned her winnings of more than $500 to benefit Grassroots. That was probably the 20th time that day I was overcome with emotion.

As we closed out our day, Julia, owner of Park Ridge Creamery, presented me with a check for $600 representing her profits and the tips donated throughout the day.

There were many memorable moments that touched my heart that day. Stories that came from deep within. The most poignant moment for me, and it still brings tears to my eyes, came when a mom stopped by and told me that she saw my post about the fundraiser. Several years ago, her teenage daughter took her own life. While we were deep in conversation, she reached down and pulled off the bracelet she was wearing on her wrist and handed it to me. Suicide had so changed her life that she created a foundation in her daughter’s memory so that no parent would have to experience what she experienced. To learn more about the Katrina Tagget Memorial Foundation and to offer support, please click here.

The Impact: $4,746.35 Raised for Crisis Support

It fills my heart to share that we proudly presented Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center with a check for $4,746.35.

This donation represents something even bigger than a number, it reflects the collective generosity of an entire community. Volunteers. Guest scoopers. Local businesses. Neighbors. Friends. Families.

We gave our time, resources, and hearts with one hope:
that this effort helps save a life.

If you were unable to attend and would still like to support this mission, you can donate directly to Grassroots and help ensure their life-saving services continue.

For more information about Grassroots or to contribute, please go to the Grassroots donation page by clicking here.

Now that I have my hand in your wallets, and I’ve touched your hearts, I leave you with a quote from my good friend Arnold Schwartzneggar, “I’ll be back.”

I've always enjoyed giving back and am committed to continuing to find ways to do so. If you'd like to join our philanthropy team and be notified of our next fundraiser (already in the works!) and see how you can help, please click the button below.

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