SUICIDE AWARENESS
Rally4Vets is committed to shattering the mental health stigma by spreading public awareness and empowering communities to support their veterans and their fellow men and women. Our mission is to promote safety, resilience, and recovery for all who feel invisible in the eyes of their society worldwide.
We believe in initiating an open dialogue around mental health and working together to offer community support and resources for all.
By Sebastian Bae
"I closed my eyes. Shoved the pistol deep into the back of my mouth. Wrapped my finger from the trigger. And I waited for the end… but no bullet left the chamber." Read more...
A Message from Robert Hess, Founder and CEO of DVEN and Rally4Vets
Heroes don't always wear capes; sometimes, they wear uniforms. At DVEN and Rally4Vets, we recognize the silent battles our veterans face every day. That's why we're thrilled to announce our groundbreaking partnership with some of Hollywood's biggest stars to shed light on a critical mission: reducing the veteran suicide rate.
Both Hollywood celebrities and military personnel navigate high-pressure environments, forming a unique bond of resilience and strength. These communities, though small, have an immense impact on American society. Our celebrity champions are lending their voices and platforms to send a powerful message: Seeking emotional support is a sign of courage, not weakness.
Rally4Vets is more than an event; it's a movement. A movement where gratitude meets action, where recognition meets support. We're committed to creating more events that bridge the gap between these two influential communities, fostering understanding and mutual support.
We invite you to join us in this pivotal journey. Take a moment to thank our celebrity champions on social media for 'Rallying for Veterans.' Let's show our appreciation for their commitment to standing with our veterans.
Together, we can create a world where every veteran feels empowered and supported. Because when we rally together, we make a stronger, more compassionate society.
I'm Robert Hess. Founder and CEO of DVEN and Rally4Vets. And I Rally For Vets."
#Rally4Vets #VeteranSupport #HollywoodForHeroes
OUR VISION
By partnering with celebrities who advocate for and engage with veterans, DVEN is helping rewrite the narrative around mental health in the veteran community, making it acceptable, even commendable, to seek help. Celebrities, with their influential voices, can shift the narrative around emotional distress, showing that vulnerability – the ability to seek help - is not a weakness, but a courageous step towards healing.
Just as the essence of military service is rooted in teamwork and unity, tackling veteran suicides requires a collective effort. DVEN's collaboration with the Veterans Administration and other veteran-focused entities exemplifies this. Together, we are building a robust network, ensuring no veteran feels isolated in their struggles.
In our unwavering belief that every veteran deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and joyous life, we extend a compassionate hand to guide individuals toward healing and recovery. At Rally4Vets, we understand the importance of taking that crucial first step towards a brighter future.
The Disabled Veteran Empowerment Network (DVEN), through its Rally4Vets initiative, is championing a vital cause – curtailing the tragic trend of military veteran suicides. In the spirit of the military's camaraderie and teamwork, DVEN's mission extends beyond mere awareness. It's a concerted effort to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health challenges faced by veterans. Our approach is multifaceted: enlightening the public about the intense pressures that drive these brave individuals to desperation, bridging connections between veterans, their families, and crucial suicide prevention resources, and fostering robust partnerships with the Veterans Administration and other veteran-centric organizations.
A key strategy in DVEN's arsenal is the celebrity-led Rally4Vets program. This innovative initiative leverages the influence of public figures to shatter the barriers of silence and shame often associated with seeking mental health support.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
CREATING COMMUNITIES
The pandemic starkly revealed humanity's resistance to isolation, underscoring the intrinsic link between human flourishing and a sense of belonging within families, educational institutions, or communal settings. The innate human desire to connect with like-minded individuals who share common ground is a fundamental aspect of our experience.
Our resolute commitment is aimed at discovering avenues, such as motorsports events, to bring together individuals both physically and emotionally. Physical unity may manifest as shared spaces or groups bound by common interests. Emotionally, a sense of fellowship and shared identity characterizes community, wielding a profound influence on mental well-being.
Research consistently emphasizes the inherent sociability of humans, emphasizing that connections forged in shared spaces or experiences play a pivotal role in shaping mental health and overall fulfillment. Pursuing meaningful connections is not merely a desire but a fundamental element of our humanity, underscoring the importance of acknowledging and nurturing these connections for collective well-being.
SERVICE DOGS
We contribute to the financial support of service dogs, meticulously trained to provide assistance to individuals facing challenges related to mental illness and neurodevelopmental disabilities.
These canine companions undergo a multifaceted training process, encompassing professional temperament evaluations, fundamental obedience training, specialized task instruction, and crucial public access training.
The intricacies of this preparation underscore the commitment required for the transition from a basic obedience-trained canine to a proficient task service provider.
Achieving full proficiency in public access training can extend the training period to up to two years.
This investment in time and effort reflects a profound dedication to cultivating service dogs both as trained companions and as adaptable and reliable partners in emotional and physical well-being.
Rally4Vets is proud to be supporting this vital program.
MOTORSPORTS
Participating in motorsports goes beyond a simple pastime; it becomes a meaningful avenue for enhancing overall well-being.
Beyond the thrill of racing, motorsports offer therapeutic benefits like stress reduction, heightened focus, and increased confidence. The adrenaline rush from racing significantly contributes to mental health, providing a dynamic and invigorating escape. In addition, the communal aspect of sports car racing fosters personal connections, creating a supportive community.
The adrenaline rush linked with motorsports serves as an invigorating mental reset. And, the shared passion for motorsports instills a sense of purpose and belonging, providing individuals a fulfilling outlet for self-expression and personal growth.
The challenges and triumphs on the racetrack parallel life's journey, offering valuable lessons in resilience and determination. As individuals become part of the larger motorsports community, mutual support and encouragement become integral components of their mental and emotional well-being, enriching their overall life experience.
POWER OF INFLUENCE
As a leading force in the realm of suicide prevention, we deeply acknowledge the profound impact that individuals wielding influence can exert in broadening the reach and intensifying the engagement of our cause. Understanding the nuanced dynamics of mental health advocacy, we place a premium on the strategic use of an array of communication channels to propagate awareness.
In a momentous stride towards bolstering our mission, we are thrilled to introduce our groundbreaking initiative—the Celebrity Suicide Awareness Campaign. This innovative venture goes beyond conventional outreach efforts by strategically collaborating with influential personalities who have demonstrated a commitment to mental health causes. By aligning with these celebrities, they use their extensive networks and their unique ability to connect with diverse audiences to help destigmatize seeking help for emotional distress.
The Celebrity Suicide Awareness Campaign is designed as a multifaceted endeavor, employing a variety of media formats, such as social media campaigns, interviews, and public service announcements featuring our celebrity partners. By showcasing the human side of these influential figures and their commitment to mental health, we aim to humanize the conversation around suicide prevention.
This collaborative effort extends beyond a mere endorsement; it's a sustained commitment to harnessing the collective influence of celebrities to foster a culture of empathy and understanding. Through thoughtfully curated events, interactive online initiatives, and educational programs led by our celebrity partners, we aspire to create a ripple effect that transcends demographics and resonates with individuals from all walks of life.
In essence, our Celebrity Suicide Awareness Campaign isn't just about leveraging star power; it's about building a community of advocates who are dedicated to destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting a supportive environment for those in need. Through the synergy of celebrity influence and grassroots efforts, we aspire to make a lasting impact on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
ADAM GODLEY
SCOTT COHEN
TAKE ACTION
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP
Your partnership with Rally4Vets will help us expand our reach, provide vital resources, and offer support to those who need it the most. Our team is eager to work with businesses that want to connect with the 18+ million veteran community and help save the lives of those who have served our country. Contact us today to learn more about the various partnership options available.
SPONSOR
Are you looking for a way to support our veterans and raise awareness for an important cause? Rally4Vets is hosting the 2024 Top Dog Championships, and we need your support to make it a success! Join us as one of our esteemed sponsors, while also enjoying a thrilling day of racing and competition.
JOIN THE 2024 TOP DOG CHAMPIONSHIPS
Join us for a weekend of action-packed racing and support a great cause at the 2024 Top Dog Championships at Summit Point Motorsports Park West Virginia. And just maybe in Southern California as well! No track experience? No problem. Experienced instructorsbe by your side to ensure a safe and thrilling ride.
Are you ready?
"I was furious. I have never been shot at in my civilian life. I have never been blown up in my civilian life. I haven't lost an "adopted" child to a suicide bomber in my civilian life. And I haven't had to listen to a man's death over the Med-Evac frequency in my civilian life. All those things happened during my year in Iraq, but my PTSD is probably just related to my years working at UPS or something?"
- OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM VETERAN