Frostproof Events Raise Thousands to Support Mothers of Veteran Suicide

A three-weekend "Pumpkin Patch" fundraising effort generated more than $2,000 in support of Mothers of Veteran Suicide, a non-profit offering support to those suffering due to those tragedies. Funds raised by the effort will provide assistance serving to help prevent suicides among veterans disturbed by PTSD and other emotional challenges.

Bryan Serdynski

Left to right, Dan Mlotkowski of Red Barn Farmer's Market, Aime Ward of Davery Farm, Terri Pollock of MOVS, Crystal Pepkowski of Plant Cottage, Teo Leonard of Chance 2 Win, Michele Ladd of MOVS, Austin Gravely of Gravely Red Barn, MOVS President Judy Casey, Caroline Mlotkowski of Red Barn Farmer's Market, and Sherry Scott of MOVS celebrated the successful fundraising effort with a check presentation.

The October weekend fundraisers were held at the Red Barn Farmer's Market Frostproof and The Gravely Red Barn. The events allowed allow local shoppers to enjoy raffles, apple cider, and photo ops while also supporting charity.

"These folks do an awesome job of helping families whose loved ones died by suicide as active military personnel or as a veteran," said Carolyn Mlotkowski of the Red Barn Frostproof. "Their support includes online peer to peer support, grief counseling, resource funding for grandmothers raising grandchildren due to suicide, mobile outreach and retreats."

The organizers and sponsors, including Lisa Hernandez Keller Williams Smart 1, One-Stop Business Solutions, Watsons Pharmacy, Davery Farms and The Plant Cottage, were pleased with the community response, according to organizers, and have decided to make it an annual event.

Bryan Serdynski

Bikers from the American Legion Post 69 in Avon Park. were among those who arrived to help with the fundraising event, serving to help prevent suicides among veterans disturbed by PTSD and other emotional challenges.

Michele Ladd, founder and executive director of MOVS, arrived at the Red Barn in the Hope Mobile, a mobile crisis unit, to accept the check from this fundraiser escorted by American Legion Post 69 Bikers from Avon Park, who also assisted in the fundraising efforts on behalf of veterans.