Our gratitude to the citizens of Natchez cannot be expressed in words but we will try.

One and half years ago when our group first wanted to do something in our community for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health, we had no idea what it would be.

However, we continued talking and eventually came up with some ideas.

Our first fundraiser, our gaYrage sale confirmed we were onto something right. The donations of items to sale were overwhelming.

We eventually had to ask people to stop donating as we physically could not price and get things out in time for the event. We sold around 90 percent of what was donated and then we donated the rest to the Natchez Humane Society for their shops.

We are constantly being asked “When is the next one?” So, hold on to that thought as we are planning on another one.

Our revenues from this sale were enough for us to move forward with planning a bigger event. This became The Weekend, Battle of the Belles.

A couple of weekends ago, we held that event. I still get emotional when I recall the night and what love and acceptance filled the Natchez Auditorium.

This event will now allow us to be able to write a check to Southwest Mental Health/A Clear Path for a more substantial figure than we ever dreamed.

We wish to unite our community through diversity so that we all have a better mental health capacity.

Our event proved to be a wonderful stepping stone on that path.

On Saturday, the Oct. 26 two events took place at the Natchez Auditorium. In the morning “Proud to take a Stand” monument was unveiled with Ambassador Andrew Young as a speaker.

In the evening we had our first LGBT+ event (that I am aware of) Y’all Means All Natchez.

These were two major events uniting our community which is a clear path to acceptance in diversity and positive mental health for everyone.

We thank you from the bottom our hearts for your support.

John Grady Burns is a member of Y’All Means All Natchez.