SAVE has teamed up with family and friends of a young woman lost to suicide to advocate for the installation of suicide prevention barriers on a public structure located on the University of Minnesota campus.
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Please keep your receipt as your official record. We'll email it to you upon successful completion of your donation.
The Kayla's HOPE campaign aims to raise funds to install temporary suicide prevention railings on the Washington Avenue Bridge. This initiative is part of a dedicated effort to create a safer environment for our community and prevent suicides.
How will the funds raised be used?
Every dollar raised will be directed solely towards the planning, design, and construction of the temporary railings. Specifically, funds will cover costs related to:
-Hiring structural engineers and experts specializing in bridge construction, load-bearing capacity, and barrier design.
-Acquiring materials and labor necessary for constructing the railings.
-Any additional costs directly associated with designing and implementing an effective suicide prevention barrier.
Will any of the funds be used for SAVE's operational costs?
No. All funds raised through the Kayla's HOPE campaign are restricted solely for the purpose of this project. No portion of these funds will be used for SAVE’s operating expenses, general programs, or other initiatives. If you would also like to support SAVE, you can add a second donation to your cart at the separate donation form at the bottom of this page.
Are my donations tax-deductible?
Yes! All donations to the Kayla’s HOPE campaign are tax-deductible. SAVE is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your contribution is fully eligible for tax deduction in accordance with IRS regulations.
Who will oversee the allocation of funds?
SAVE is committed to full transparency and will ensure that all donations are used exclusively for the Washington Avenue Bridge barrier project. We will provide regular updates and reports on the campaign's progress to demonstrate our commitment to this specific cause.
Why is there a need for professional experts in this project?
The installation of suicide prevention barriers on a bridge requires specialized knowledge and skills to ensure effectiveness and safety. Structural engineers, bridge construction experts, and design consultants will work together to create a temporary barrier that meets safety standards and is proven to help prevent suicides.
How can I support this campaign?
Donations of any size make a difference and help us move closer to our goal of completing the temporary railings on the Washington Avenue Bridge. You can donate online through the donation form on this page or contact us directly to learn more about partnership opportunities.
How can I stay updated on the campaign’s progress?
SAVE will post regular updates on the campaign’s progress, including milestones in design, funding, and construction. Follow us on our social media channels and visit our website for the latest news. You can opt-in for our newsletter when you make a donation on this page, or at https://www.save.org/get-involved/newsletter-signup/
What happens if we exceed our fundraising goal?
If we raise more funds than required for the Washington Avenue Bridge project, SAVE will allocate any additional funds specifically to other suicide prevention initiatives related to physical infrastructure. We will inform our supporters of any such plans and provide updates on where funds are directed.
Support the Mission of SAVE
SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education is a national nonprofit working to end the tragedy of suicide through education, training, advocacy, and supporting suicide loss survivors.
SAVE provides expertise and advocacy at both state and national levels to amplify the voices of those impacted by suicide and create meaningful change.
In January, Kayla’s HOPE was founded by Minnesotans MJ Blair (Weiss), her sister Gina Morgan and SAVE – Suicide Awareness Voices of Education after MJ’s daughter Kayla Gaebel died by suicide in November 2023. The effort collaborates with public and private partners to strategize, fund and install physical suicide deterrents in high-risk locations. Lethal means safety and barriers can significantly decrease suicide deaths at a site as they interrupt plans to attempt suicide and allow more time for emergency responders to intervene.
