SouthCoast Foundation Hosts 4th Annual Mental Health Fundraiser in Dartmouth

What began as a tragedy has grown into a powerful mission of hope and healing.

The Tyler Joseph Leonard Memorial Foundation is inviting the SouthCoast community to come together for its 4th annual fundraiser on Saturday, September 6th, from 12:00 to 5:00 P.M. at The Stackhouse Club in Dartmouth.

You'll be greeted with live music, dance performances, and raffles... all with one mission in mind: raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.

A Mission Born From Tragedy

The foundation was created in early 2022 by Dennis and Jeana Leonard in memory of their son, Tyler Joseph Leonard, who died by suicide just one day before his 30th birthday in 2018.

Board member Joel Baptista (Tyler’s uncle and godfather) said the organization was built to honor Tyler’s life by turning grief into action.

“All we’re looking to do is help one person. If we can reach that one person some way, somehow, it makes everything that we’re doing worthwhile,” he said.

After speaking with Baptista, he informed me that the foundation’s mission is to generate awareness surrounding mental health and suicide prevention while supporting local initiatives. Over the past three years, it has partnered with organizations such as Child and Family Services, the Boys & Girls Club, Denison Memorial, and sponsored motivational speaker Kaleb Joseph, bringing mental health presentations to more than 6,500 local students across Dartmouth, Westport, Fairhaven, and beyond.

This fall, the foundation is launching a new initiative, fully funding The Hope Squad for Westport junior and senior high schools. The peer-to-peer suicide prevention program trains students to recognize warning signs, promote mental wellness, and connect peers with trusted adults.

A Day of Music, Dance, and Hope

The annual fundraiser reflects Tyler’s personality and passions.

Known for his love of music, dance, and sports, Tyler was described as “a Shakespearean Bard who would break out a guitar and sing on a whim.”

The September event will bring that spirit to life with:

• Live music by Troy DeMello & Glenn Nunes of All Mixed Up
• A performance by the Dance Academy of Dartmouth
• DJ sets by Joe Lima
• Raffles, silent auctions, and plenty of food

“All of this is about unity and keeping Tyler’s legacy alive,” Baptista said.

How to Get Involved

The foundation is currently seeking businesses and individuals who align with its mission to become sponsors, make donations, or simply show up in solidarity that day.

For more information, sponsorship details, or to learn about the foundation’s ongoing work, visit thetylerjosephleonardmemorialfoundation.org.