Mental Health Advocate and Gotcha Films Founder and CEO Lavell Thomas, Associate Producer Alex Kontakos and Founder and CEO of King Cobra Enterprises Corey Felton are launching a national mental health awareness campaign entitled “Fight4Peace.” This campaign will consist of 25 events in 25 cities and the release of a rated-R action movie designed to show the struggles individuals with mental illnesses encounter daily. The first Fight 4 Peace mental health awareness event will be free and public in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday, September 30th, from 12 noon to 6 pm at Tampa’s Perry Harvey Sr. Park at 1000 E. Harrison Street. Attendees can pre-register at https://fight4peacehillsborough.eventbrite.com.
“We are excited to partner with area non-profits and television and radio media outlets to bring mental health advocacy to the forefront of our Tampa Bay community,” states Lavell Thomas. “Suffering with a mental health illness in silence is no longer an option because the city of Tampa has resources and support to help anyone experiencing episodic and long-term suffering.”
NAMI Hillsborough, Mentoring with Purpose, Aaron’s House, and Project LINK have joined the campaign for the Tampa event to offer mental health support onsite and after the event for people who need comprehensive counseling and support services. Fight4Peace will feature live music and entertainment, games, food trucks, vendors, contests, giveaways, and more. For information, visit Instagram at @fight4peace_mentalhealth, email fight4peacemh@gmail.com, or text 813-665-9292. To donate, text FIGHT4PEACE to 53-555.
“Mental health is a vastly underappreciated aspect of our overall wellness, not just as individuals but as a society. As the mind and spirit go, the body follows. For this reason, we at Fight4Peace are using our mental health awareness campaign to help illuminate, educate and destigmatize what may be the most critical public health issue of our time,” said Alex Kontakos.
Local sponsors, corporate donors and entertainment endorsers are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Spectrum’s Pay it Forward, Former NFL/TB Buccaneers Player and President of Mentoring with Purpose Charity Frank D Murphy, UFC Fighter and Bare Knuckle Boxer Houston Alexander, Former World Boxing Champion Chevelle “Fist of Steel” Hallbeck, seven-time boxing Champion Demarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, SAG Actress and Coach Ro Underwood, Publisher and Artist CoCo Wade and more.
About Gotcha Films
Gotcha Films is a family-owned production company that desires to entertain the world through films and entertainment. Our goal is to bring excitement and thrills with our action films, touch hearts with our dramedy films, and heal hearts through laughter with our comedy films. We offer captivating storytelling, creative writing, and innovative filmmaking to make you a lifetime fan.
About King Cobra Enterprises
King Cobra Enterprises is a multi-plex entertainment corporation specializing in sports, music, marketing & fashion. They provided marketing services and promoted events at both the Florida Sun Dome (currently known as the Yuengling Center) and Amalie Arena. Presented opportunities for inspiring artists to open for national recording artists such as Hip-Hop and Rap Stars Trina, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Juvenile, Bone Crusher and Lil’ Flip. They were the last promoter and manager for the legendary Rudy Ray Moore, aka “The Dolomite.”
About NAMI Hillsborough
NAMI Hillsborough is the Hillsborough County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the nation with over 600 affiliate organizations. NAMI and NAMI Hillsborough’s mission is to provide advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. NAMI Hillsborough also envisions a county where all people impacted by mental illness lead healthy, fulfilling lives and are supported by a caring community.
About Mentoring with Purpose Charity
Frank D. Murphy’s life story details his journey and resilience in overcoming the struggles of growing up in an at-risk, inner-city neighborhood. From guns to selling drugs to jail, the odds were stacked against Frank while he faced the possibility of spending his life behind bars. After being given a second chance through NFL Super Bowl Coach Tony Dungy, Frank successfully left behind drugs, guns and jail to become a star athlete and NFL player. Following a successful football career, including receiving awards such as the All-American, All-State, and Player of the Year, Frank applied his experience to helping youth. Since founding the Mentoring with Purpose Charity in 2009, Frank has poured into the community by supporting youth empowerment programs. His efforts have been well recognized; he has been awarded the JTEP Hero Award, the Hero Award by the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), and has been honored by President Barack Obama with the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
About Mentoring with Purpse Charity
The Mentoring with Purpose Charity prepares youth to be leaders in all aspects of life by developing the whole person; mind, body and spirit. Their program teaches youth to value hard work, dedication, sound decision-making and effective life skills management. Concepts are taught in a universal voice and restated in different modalities to embrace all learning styles and build a narrative that sticks in youth’s brains.
About Aaron’s House Foundation
Aaron’s House provides a unique service to caregivers of people with mental illness. The organization offers caregivers support groups, education, respite and compassion. While many mental health groups are available, none cater directly to the caregiver. Aaron’s House aims to fill this gap and support those who selflessly care for their loved ones.
About Project LINK, Inc
Project LINK’s mission is to provide equitable approaches to education, mental wellness and healthy choices for children and their families. The organization supports students in many areas, including academic success, healthcare access and school-based mental health services.