C.A.R.E.S. Suicide Prevention Center will host its fourth annual High School Challenge this weekend at Cypress Lake High School.
Southwest Florida’s only suicide prevention center in Cape Coral is hosting the student variety show on Jan. 9. Over 100 students are participating from 10 schools and the purpose of the show is to spread the message of prevention.
“This is a way for the youths in our community to be involved in spreading the message about suicide prevention,” said C.A.R.E.S. Executive Director Virginia Cervasio.
Community Awareness in Recognizing and Educating on Suicide serves as a resource center for people contemplating suicide. The organization holds other fundraising events and educational seminars throughout the year, and starting Jan. 12 C.A.R.E.S. is scheduled to begin training all Lee County middle and elementary school guidance counselors on spotting the signs of suicide.
According to C.A.R.E.S., suicide is the third leading cause of death among American teenagers.
The High School Challenge is a popular local event for students and their families. According to Cervasio, 600 tickets have already been sold for the event on Saturday.
During intermission there will be a silent auction with 36 items up for bidding and baked goods will be for sale.
The high school or youth group which earns first prize gets $1,500 – second prize gets $500 and third prize gets $250.
Special performances by Cypress Lake High senior and singer Brooke Summer Cole will open and close the show, along with a Powerpoint presentation of local victims entitled “Faces of Suicide.”
“It is in remembrance of the victims of suicide,” said Cervasio.
Tickets for the show are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Doors open at the school at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m.

For more information on the center, visit www.caresprevention.org.