Serving Up Hope: How the CRC Memorial Tennis Event is Breaking the Silence on Mental Health in New Mexico
The annual “Serve It Up for Life CRC Memorial Tennis event” on September 6th is more than just a tennis tournament; it’s a vital fundraiser and powerful advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention in New Mexico. This event directly supports Breaking the Silence New Mexico, a non-profit dedicated to promoting mental health literacy and ending the stigma surrounding mental illness.
The tournament was founded by Tammy Collins in honor of her son, Christopher Ryan, who struggled with mental health issues. Tammy emphasizes the critical need for mental health literacy, stating, “If I had known more, maybe I wouldn’t be in this situation.” This personal mission drives the event’s purpose: to equip individuals with the knowledge and support needed to navigate mental health complexities.
Daniel Frampton, Board President of Breaking the Silence New Mexico, highlights their core mission: “Our central thing is helping people understand mental health literacy. Going into schools talking about mental health and mental illnesses, that there’s a spectrum of mental health they’re going to be struggling. You can be in a crisis, and you can be well, and so we help people understand what that looks like.”
Since 2020, Breaking the Silence New Mexico has reached over 13,500 students across the state, normalizing conversations around mental health and destigmatizing seeking help. The funds raised from events like the Serve It Up for Life tournament are crucial to sustaining this life-saving work.
This year marks the second annual event, with last year raising an impressive $16,000 for Breaking the Silence. The tournament will be held at the Jerry Cline Tennis Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring competitive matches, raffles, silent auctions, prizes, and food trucks.
As Tammy Collins profoundly states, “So if we can save one life through this, then that brings us… A little bit of peace.” Join us on September 6th to contribute to this vital mission and help build a mentally healthier future for our community.
