With a full crowd assembled donning t-shirts that read “Love Hard,” the Tyler Joseph Leonard Memorial Foundation raised over $48,000 at their annual mental health fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Stackhouse Club.

Leonard was a Dartmouth resident who passed away from suicide a day before his 30th birthday. 

At the entrance, there was merchandise that memorialized Leonard. This year's shirt features a record with a photo he said would be his album cover if he released music. Leonard was a musician, and would sing with his niece. 

Other pieces featured a heart that once appeared in fog on his wood stove, and the saying “Love Hard.” This is because he is remembered for saying “Why do I love so hard?”

“You could ask anyone here about Tyler and they’d give you the whole idea,” said Michelle Laporte, Leonard’s godmother

Part of the goal of this fundraiser is to end the stigma surrounding mental illness. Andrea Crooks, a close friend of the family, emphasized how this is still a misunderstood issue that needs more support. 

Susan Traban, Leonard’s best friend's mother, said that she would never have thought he would be one to commit suicide. Her grandson, Leonard’s friend's son, is named Jack Tyler in his memory. 

“I’m hoping he’d be proud,” said Jeana Leonard, his mother, “I’m hoping he’d be proud of the work that we’re doing in memory of him.

The foundation gives money to several organizations that align with their goals, including the local chapters of Child and Family, the Good Samaritans, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford, United Way and more. They also donate money to a scholarship fund in Leonard’s name. This year, six students from Dartmouth, New Bedford, and Westpost high schools received scholarships of $1,000. 

The fundraiser had several events, including a raffle and a silent auction. Raffle prizes included suitcases, homemade wreaths, baskets with themes such as “Kitty,” “Bruins,” and “Girls Magical” and gift cards to local spots like Market Basket and Gorjana. The silent auction included prizes like champagne trios estimated at $250 and a family photo session estimated at $375.

Kids enjoyed face painting, bubble wands and yard games at the fundraiser as well.

There was live music performed by All Mixed Up, who played two sessions. In between, John Lima deejayed the event. Both musicians volunteered their time to support the cause. 

The $50 ticket included a meal ticket for catering provided by Ricardi’s, as well as a buffet with cheeses, fruits, and crackers. Tables had bags with electrolyte powders, chapstick and a wristband. 

A video by Kaleb Joseph from the Self Help Tour, who has partnered with the foundation, also played during the event. The Self Help Tour is an organization that gives speeches at high schools to end the stigma surrounding mental illness,

“I wholeheartedly believe that because of this foundation, there are children's lives that have been saved,” said Joseph.