Chris Coluccio Foundation hosts Fire Island event to raise funds, awareness for suicide prevention

A ping pong table. A stack of Star Wars figures. Two dogs named Obi and Luke waiting by the door.

That was 14-year-old Christopher A. Coluccio’s world before he died as a freshman in high school in September 2021. And it’s the world his Blue Point family and friends are working to keep alive for other struggling kids and parents across Long Island.

The Christopher A. Coluccio Foundation will host its 5th Annual Social Mixer for Suicide Prevention on Aug. 1, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Casino Cafe in Davis Park, Fire Island.

The afternoon will include raffles, giveaways and live music, with proceeds supporting the foundation’s mission to promote mental health awareness and open conversations between parents and children about depression and suicide.

This event’s Force for Good honoree this year is Seth Needelman, owner of The Fish Store in Bayport. Tickets are $70 online and $75 at the door, and online raffle entries are available for supporters who can’t make it to the island in person.

Running alongside the mixer is a free Youth Beach Bash for kids age 8 and up, with games and food on the beach in front of the Casino Cafe during the same window.

The foundation was established in Christopher’s honor to celebrate his memory and to serve as what his family calls “a good grief foundation” — supporting people struggling with mental health and suicidal thoughts.

People struggling with mental health issues can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

_{Top: Chris Coluccio (Source: Chris C. Coluccio Foundation)}