Dartmouth Family Turns Personal Tragedy Into Hope With Annual Memorial Fundraiser

Five years ago, a Dartmouth family found a way to take the memory of someone they loved dearly and turn it into something that could help someone else.

That someone was Tyler Joseph Leonard, a son, nephew, godchild and friend whose life continues to make an impact on the SouthCoast years after his passing. What started as a way to honor Tyler has grown into a yearly gathering filled with music, memories, community and, most importantly, hope.

Now, that community is getting ready to come together once again for the 5th Annual Tyler Joseph Leonard Memorial Fundraiser on Saturday, September 12, at the Stackhouse Fairgrounds at 16 Faith Street in Dartmouth.

Remembering Tyler and Helping Others

The Tyler Joseph Leonard Memorial Foundation was created in 2022 by Dennis and Gina Leonard in memory of their son Tyler, who died by suicide in 2018, one day before his 30th birthday. Instead of allowing Tyler's story to end there, his family and friends came together with a mission to help others.

5th Annual Tyler Joseph Leonard Memorial Fundraiser

Over the years, the foundation has supported local mental health programs, worked with organizations throughout the SouthCoast and helped bring mental health speakers into area schools. The foundation has also helped fund the Hope Squad at Westport Junior/Senior High School, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program.

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A Stacked Lineup for Year Five

Music was a big part of Tyler's life, so it's only fitting that it remains a big part of the day held in his memory. This year's lineup includes Craig DeMelo, "The Whiskey Poet," Troy DeMello and Glenn Nunes of All Mixed Up, and Jacob & Anna. It's a day to enjoy some great local music, but it's also a chance to remember why everyone is there in the first place.

5th Annual Tyler Joseph Leonard Memorial Fundraiser

Love Tyler Hard

Tickets are a $50 donation, with proceeds supporting the foundation and its mental health initiatives throughout the community. Five years later, Tyler's family and friends continue to carry his memory forward with a simple message that has become the heart of their mission: Love Tyler Hard.

READ MORE: Dartmouth Man's Meaningful Message