The guests shared information about the Wings for Tristan Forever 14 Memorial Ride, which will take place on Saturday, September 19th. Hosted by Rawhide Saloon, the all-vehicle ride is designed to honor Tristan’s memory while encouraging conversations surrounding mental health and suicide prevention. Organizers emphasized that the event is open to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with participants gathering at Rawhide Saloon before departing for stops throughout Carroll County. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with the ride leaving at 11 a.m.
The route includes stops at Dave’s Place Flipside Grill in Lanark, MC Pub in Mount Carroll, Hog Dogs in Savanna, and Majestic Pines in Thomson before returning to Rawhide Saloon. The evening concludes with raffles, community activities, and live music by Slick Trigger. Event proceeds will benefit the West Carroll Sports Boosters, honoring Tristan’s passion for athletics.
McGinnis also highlighted Rawhide Saloon’s growth since opening just over a year ago. The business recently expanded with a new outdoor bar, patio seating, fire pit, heaters, and regular live music, creating additional opportunities for community gatherings and special events.
Hickey discussed the mission of Speak Out Against Suicide, explaining that the organization focuses on providing education, support, and resources to individuals, families, schools, businesses, and communities. She noted that suicide prevention efforts are especially important in rural communities, where mental health resources can be more difficult to access and where many people feel pressure to hide their struggles.
One of the organization’s key educational programs is QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, which teaches participants how to recognize warning signs, begin difficult conversations, and connect someone with appropriate help. Hickey said the training is available for schools, businesses, organizations, and community groups interested in strengthening their suicide prevention efforts.
Throughout the conversation, the guests emphasized the importance of normalizing conversations about mental health and encouraging people of all ages to seek help when they need it. While the memorial ride is limited to those 21 and older because of its bar locations, organizers are encouraging Tristan’s classmates, friends, and other community members to line the streets along the route to show their support and remember his life.
The discussion also coincided with the beginning of Suicide Prevention Month, with participants encouraging community members to wear teal and purple throughout September as a visible show of support for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
For more information about the Wings for Tristan Forever 14 Memorial Ride, community members can follow Rawhide Saloon or the event’s Facebook page for registration details. Those interested in learning more about Speak Out Against Suicide or scheduling QPR training can visit the organization’s website or Facebook page.
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