Newsletter Volume 1 No. 4 - February 2001
It is almost impossible for me to believe that a year has passed since my son committed suicide. The words spoken to me by the New York policeman advising me of Todd's death will be forever etched in my memory. The days and weeks immediately after Todd died were like a cloudy non-existence where nothing in the real world mattered.
At some point in time I felt that I had so much to say about what a wonderful son Todd was: gifted, artistic, intelligent, caring, charismatic, supportive and how full of love he was. I decided that I could not see Todd's life being lived in vain. I wanted to honor and celebrate him - to tell everyone that although Todd suffered from a sleeping disorder, causing depression, he valiantly fought it. Todd always felt he had to keep up a good front for all of his family and friends so that he could help them with their challenges.
As I learned more about mental illness, I found that one out of five people suffer from some form of this disease. It was hard for me to accept the statistics that suicide is the number 3 killer of our youth from the ages of 10 to 24 years and the number 2 killer from the ages of 24 to 34 years. As I talked to other people, I found that some form of mental illness had touched almost everyone.
I decided that the best way to honor and celebrate Todd's life was to help others like him; to try to rid the world of the epidemic that robs people of normal lives and causes so much heartbreak for them, their families and their loved ones. Thus came the creation of the Todd Thomas Foundation, an organization committed to raising the awareness of the magnitude of mental illness and the effect it has on individuals as well as our society, to erase the stigma associated with it and to fund facilities that provide effective treatments.
Many of you have worked so hard and have given so selflessly of your time and dollars to make this first fundraising event happen. I thank each and every one of you here tonight for your support and your gift of love.
Today is Todd's birthday. Let us celebrate his life, listen to good music, enjoy the wonderful art, fill our hearts with laughter and have fun.
Todd once told me "Dad, after everything else is gone, the only thing that remains is love".
Peter H. Thomas
Todd's Dad
First Foundation Gala Evening
In my previous newsletter we were making the final arrangements for the upcoming black tie celebration for the Todd Thomas Foundation, being held at the Four Seasons Destination Resort & Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona this past January 19, 2001.
And what an event it was! From the table centerpieces, which consisted of two tiers of Dale Chihuly's glass artwork magnificently showcased throughout the room and accented by individual spot lighting (the "WOW" meter went through the roof), to the 6 x 6 foot white dinner tables hand painted by Chihuly himself, to the entertainment for the evening - everything was a spectacular moment in itself.
Murray and Diana Kusek from Bernard Callebaut chocolates had an amazing fountain of chocolate set up in the reception area and were on hand to make fresh chocolate truffles as our guests ate them. The smell alone made the temptation irresistible. And what incredible chocolate!
The intent of this event was for everyone to experience an evening filled with enjoyment, laughter, and love, but most importantly, the common goal of helping those suffering from mental health issues.
The guests joined hands as Tom Smithwick, Rita's brother-in-law, blessed the evening to the background music of Amazing Grace. A very moving performance and what a great way to start the night off!
Dale Irvin, an internationally recognized speaker and a very funny man, conducted a survey, (as our guests indulged in an amazing meal prepared by the Four Season's) by asking the audience questions relating to mental health issues. Each guest was given a hand held computer to answer these questions anonymously, the results of which immediately appeared on video screens displayed in the ballroom. The participants were astounded by the results of the survey:
Survey results from an average of 240 respondents to the following Mental Health questions:
1. Does anyone in your immediate family struggle with depression?
74% - Yes 26% - No
2. Do you personally know anyone who has attempted suicide?
71% - Yes 29% - No
3. Do you personally know anyone who committed suicide?
68% - Yes 32% - No
4. Have you ever attempted to commit suicide?
7% - Yes 93% - No
5. Do you think depression can be cured?
78% - Yes 22 % - No
6. Depression is a biological brain disorder?
True/False 79% - True 21% - False
(Answer "True")
7. Depression is more widespread than:
a) Heart disease b) Cancer c) AIDS d) All of the above
a) 2% b) 2% c) 4% d) 92%
(Answer "D")
8. In any given year, depression affects what percentage of Americans?
a) 1% c) 5% b) 2% d) 10% a) 1% b) 0% c) 5% d) 94%
(Answer "C")
9. Have you or are you currently struggling with depression?
30% -Yes 70% - No
The responses were a surprise to us all and further showed how much mental health issues strike close to home.
Dale kept the evening moving by adding a contest, again using the hand held computers. The guests answered trivial pursuit questions of a more humorous nature and prizes donated by Chopard, Escada, Boggi and DaVinci, Robert Manschot, and the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain were distributed to the winners.
The very talented David Foster produced the entertainment for the evening. It started with an inspirational message delivered by Rick Hansen, President and CEO of the Rick Hansen Institute, who works tirelessly in support of his mission to accelerate the discovery of a cure for spinal cord injury paralysis. Rick wheeled the circumference of the earth and raised $24 million in 1987. His message of hope and love and never giving up gave him a standing ovation.
Nine-year-old pianist, Wesley Chu, is the youngest ever to achieve all nine grades in one consecutive year in the Royal Conservatory of Music at the age of four. He performed Twinkle Twinkle Little Star like you've never heard it before as well as a piece he had written himself. His performance also brought the house down with a standing ovation.
Ed McMahon then joined David on stage to introduce a Next Big Star competition among seven young performers flown in from all over North America. Truly amazing young talent, each performed one song and the audience voted for the first and second place winners by using their hand held computers. Many Canadian attendees were surprised to see one of their own up and coming stars - Adam Gregory, who has a top hit on the Canadian music charts, performing. The winners of the evening were the duo act, Allison Jones and Tricia Ridgway from Palm Desert, California. Second place went to Brittany Breed from Henderson, Nevada. The balance of the acts that performed were Cary Pierce, a dynamic solo act from Dallas, Texas; Joy Summerville, an amazing young lady born in the Bronx; and Marcus Tribble, a Nashville resident whose rendition of The Phantom Of The Opera created an astounding round of applause. Ed McMahon did a fabulous job in presenting what felt like an exclusive viewing of his latest popular Internet show "Nextbigstar.com".
Thanks to all of our young "Superstars". Your performances made the show the unique success that it was.
David topped the evening off by presenting a song to me, co-written by David's wife, Linda Thompson, about Todd, entitled "Heaven Holds the Ones I Love". David announced that the song would be under consideration by a well-known artist for her next album and all monies raised would go to the Todd Thomas Foundation. There was not a dry eye in the ballroom when Nita Whitaker gave a very moving performance of this song with David accompanying her.
I was completely overwhelmed by this amazing and most generous gift. David and Linda, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Heaven Holds The Ones I Love
Music by: David Foster
Lyrics by: Linda Thompson
I've spent my life
Building castles of dreams
Reaching for
Each distant star
As tears clear my eyes
I finally realize
Happiness is where you are
And I'm still a part of you
And you're still a part of me
I swear I'll always celebrate
Your memory
You'll live inside of me
Chorus
Heaven holds the ones I love
I see your eyes twinkle in the skies above
My hopes are floating in the clouds
The wind repeats your name out loud
Ohhh
Heaven holds the ones I love
At times I'm unsure
Why our hearts must endure
All the pain
And such great loss
But look what I've gained
I feel your kiss in the rain
It's your smile I miss the most
But I'm still a part of you
And you're still the biggest part of me
And I swear I'll always celebrate
Your memory
And trust what's meant to be
Chorus
Heaven holds the ones I love I see your eyes twinkle in the skies above My hopes are floating in the clouds
The wind repeats your name out loud
Ohhh
Heaven holds the ones I love
Bridge
And in my grief and disbelief
One thing I know is true
Every breath I take
Brings me that much closer to you
Chorus
Heaven holds the ones I love
I see your eyes twinkle in the skies above
My hopes are floating in the clouds
The wind repeats your name out loud
Ohhh
Heaven holds the ones I love
Thank You To Everyone
From the moment it was decided to celebrate and honor Todd's life, the love and support we received from everyone was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. It is this love that has given us the strength to make the commitment to celebrate and honor Todd's life. It has also given us the strength to carry on with our daily lives.
Todd's life was full of promise and happiness. He loved to celebrate and would have enjoyed the evening's events.
Thanks to all of you who have made this evening happen:
- Dale Chihuly world-renowned glass sculptor and painter and his amazing team;
- David Foster world-renowned producer for the musical entertainment for the evening;
- Ed McMahon for adding his "Next Big Star" performers to our evening of entertainment;
- Rick Hansen from "Man in Motion" for his inspiring words;
- Wesley Chu for his amazing rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"
- Dale Irvin for conducting our most critical survey and for making us laugh;
- Pam Rasmussen of Janssen Pharmaceutica for its $50,000 donation to be given to a person who has increased the awareness of mental illness;
- RM Classic Cars and Symbolic Motor Cars for the very generous donation of a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible which was auctioned for $29,000 by the very entertaining, Dan Kruze
- Robert & Jo Pond for purchasing the 1965 Mustang convertible.
- The Four Seasons Hotel and their wonderful staff;
- Michael Simons and his staff from Michael Simons and Associates for coming all the way from San Francisco to be our event coordinator;
- Karin Kilburg of Set Solutions and her staff acting as our local event
- Nadine Allen from Rockingwood Advertising and Public Relations for always being there;
- Karen Williamson and Janice Zimolzak from Saks for arranging our lovely gift boxes;
- Airo Graphics, Absolute Spa Group, Bernard Callebaut Chocolates, Boggi and Davinci, Bushlen Mowatt Gallery, Chopard, CP Wireless, Direct Current Video, D & R's Luxury Transport Service, Escada, Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch, Il Fornaio Restaurant, Robert and Elvie Manschot, Moving Breath Studios, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Mark Squire, Sunbelt Scenic Studios, Swank Audio Visuals, UnBacio Ristorante, Veneto Trattoria Italiana, VisionStream
- Our table purchasers and all of our financial supporters;
- Pat McLean, Bruce Johnson, Jamesie Bower, Shannon and Shayne May, and all of Rita's family, all from out of town, for their many hours of volunteer work;
- Mic Browne, Michael Jorgenson, Dale Russell, Matt Bowling, for their many hours of volunteer work;
- Al Molina and all of his staff for their unwavering support;
- The Arizona Community Foundation and their fabulous staff;
- Donna Thomas (Todd's mother), whose support has kept us focused on our goals for the foundation;
- Our staff members, Andreanne DePape and Bev McClung;
- Our many other volunteers;
- Our Board of Directors;
WE RAISED IN EXCESS OF $1,000,000 NET FOR THE FOUNDATION. WHAT AN EVENING, WHAT AN EVENT AND WHAT A SUCCESS IN ALL MEASURES. THANKS TO EACH AND EVERY ONE WHO PLAYED A PART IN THIS FIRST GROUNDBREAKING EVENT.
It Knows No Boundaries
Statistics prove that 20 percent of all North Americans suffer from some form of mental illness or as we are supposed to say "behavioral issues".
There are 17,500,000 diagnosed North Americans suffering from depression.
It is the 3rd highest killer of children from ages 10 to 24. From ages 24 to 34 suicide becomes the 2nd highest killer of our young people.
Many sicknesses are very recognizable and easily discussed within the family and throughout society. Unfortunately, mental illnesses are still in the closet. We have a tendency to refuse to believe people who are stricken with the disease of mental illness.
Yes, I said disease! We all must recognize that all forms of mental illness are simply a disease that is usually caused by chemical imbalances in the body. Often this disease is genetically inherited.
Our Ongoing Commitment
The Todd Thomas Foundation has two goals:
- The first goal is to raise the awareness of how prevalent depression and suicide is in our society today.
- Our second goal is to raise funds to provide public education and advocacy to the general public.
So What Does This All Mean?
It means that we keep on doing what we're doing! We know that it's important to provide our sponsors and attendees an evening full of fun, education, and entertainment. We know that each of you really enjoyed the diversity of our first gala fundraiser. We also know that each of you understand or are beginning to understand just how prevalent mental illness is in our society and how close to home it can strike.
We are looking at several cities and several dates to repeat the same success that we had in Scottsdale. We will be continually planning new and exciting one of a kind events.
OUR NEXT EVENT
We have been selected as the first Charity Recipient of the First Annual "Gautier Classic" Car Rally that will be held in Scottsdale, Arizona from October 19 to 22, 2001. It will be our goal to raise $100,000 for the Todd Thomas Foundation at this event. As there will only be 30 Classic Cars and Drivers invited to this event, let me know if you would like to participate by calling or e-mailing me for specific details as soon as possible.
We also have requests under consideration for special events from other cities namely, Vancouver, Toronto, Orlando, Dallas and New York City. It would be wonderful if we had annual events in every major city across North America all working towards one common goal. I encourage all those who would like to become a sponsor in their city to contact me to discuss the possibility.
Together we will make a difference!
Peter H. Thomas
Peter & Rita Thomas with Dale Chihuly
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