Jersey Auction, Silent Auction, Chuck a Puck and Raffles throughout the night. All proceeds will go towards the nonprofit Smiles for Jake movement. Smiles for Jake’s mission is to be a suicide prevention movement that spreads positivity through life-affirming actions, listening ears, and the message that everyone should have hope.
Jake’s Story
Jake Haapajoki was your average 16-year-old kid. He was a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, a grandson, a friend, a boyfriend, an athlete, and active in his church. Jake had a family that loved and supported him in all he did. Jake’s smile was nearly constant when he was in the presence of his friends and social environments. His smile could light up a room like no other. His wild hair and a unique love for his shoes were dominant in his handsome self. He loved candy.
Jake took his life on February 21, 2018. Jake couldn’t see an end to his pain.
Jake made a mistake. Suicide is always a mistake.
Jake’s family and friends, through their despair and grief, have launched the Smiles for Jake Movement to begin work to eliminate suicide and provide hope to all that suffer from darkness and despair. The hashtag #wearealljake was created to represent everyone needing an extra smile, a hug, a high five, kind words, or simply a moment of attention.