Be Great Today! Suicide Prevention Fund

Stephanie Sharlow and Jimmy Kirkpatrick with PCCF Executive Director Elaine Peck.

Year Founded
2011

Purpose of Fund
The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide financial support for projects or programs preventing suicide in Putnam County.  Preference given to projects that train leaders to identify symptoms of suicide and to prevent suicide.  Effort will be made to involve an approved student organization at DePauw University seeking to prevent suicide. 

History of Fund
The Endowment was started by DePauw students Jimmy Kirkpatrick and Stephanie Sharlow. After the tragic suicide of their friend in May 2011, Mr. Kirkpatrick and Ms. Sharlow felt the need to take action.  “I see depression and suicide as being stigmatized,” said Kirkpatrick.  “People are ashamed to talk about these types of feelings, and this contributes to the problem.” 

Kirkpatrick named the Endowment the Be Great Today! Suicide Prevention Endowment. “Be great today” was a favorite expression of Marshall Mathew, the DePauw student who took his life earlier in the year. “Marshall was a very positive and encouraging person,” said Kirkpatrick. “Only a few people knew that he also struggled with depression.”