LOCAL BOYZ
Optimum mental health is for everyone! Over the years at the fruit market, working with young people we’ve noticed that young men are disproportionately represented in statistics for suicide, addiction and mental health disorders.
Here at the market, we’ve lost loved ones to these problems, including two much loved young men. They called themselves the Local Boyz because—why else?—they sold local produce! We miss them every day, and in their memory, and that of many others we’ve had the privilege of working with, several years ago we focused on donations to local mental health charities. We call our informal foundation “Local Boyz.”
When you see a branded Local Boyz product in the market, please know that your purchase helps fund our donations. As you walk past the screen door to the market’s office, notice our plaque on the wall. It’s our scholarship that honors one of our young men and benefits our employees with their educations.
In exciting news, the 2022 Bothell 4th of July celebration is back “on,” and the BHS Alumni behind the Veteran’s Memorial at Pop Keeney are producing an antique car show on the 4th. The fruit market is proud to partner with them, and we’ve funded two trophies in the Local Boyz’ honor.
If you or someone you love suffers from suicidal thoughts or needs mental health support, please don’t delay in consulting with your health care provider. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental illness has local chapters and can be a good place for loved ones to begin. The National Suicide Lifeline is staffed 24 hours a day and can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.
Local Boyz. Their legend lives on.