Mental Health Matters
You are so so loved in 2025
Why does talking about mental health matter?
Reduces Isolation: You’re not alone. Sharing your feelings reminds you that others care and often feel the same way.
Releases Emotional Tension: Bottling things up only adds pressure. Talking helps lighten the load.
Increases Self-Awareness: Verbalizing your emotions can bring clarity and make challenges feel more manageable.
Provides Perspective: Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all you need to see things differently.
Breaks the Stigma: Every conversation helps normalize mental health and creates a space where others feel safe to share.
Encourages Growth: Opening up is often the first step toward healing, whether through therapy, support groups, or loved ones.
Strengthens Connections: Vulnerability builds trust and deepens relationships.
Your mental health matters. Let’s keep the conversation going. #thegraymatters
Get tickets before it’s sold out!
Tickets are going FAST so get ready to shake a leg and make a difference! Join us for the FIRST-EVER Gray Matters Fundraiser, a swanky evening in true Roaring 20s style to raise awareness for mental health in the Quad Cities.
Purchase tickets here: https://tgmcsoiree.rsvpify.com/
When: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Where: Bally’s Hotel, Rock Island, IL
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Highlights of the Evening:
Thrilling auctions to keep you on your toes
Toe-tappin’ dancing to swing the night away
A jazzy special performance by Windy City Dueling Pianos (trust us, it’s the bee’s knees!)
Tickets:
Final Sale (Jan 1 - Feb 14):
$55/ticket | $550/table of 10
Dress Code: Be a flapper, a dapper gent, or semi-formal—the choice is yours!
Thank you to our title sponsor, Modern Woodmen. They have been so gracious to us!
TICKETS ARE LIMITED: Snag yours today and let’s roar for a cause. We can’t wait to see you there on February 22. PURCHASE HERE.
If you’re struggling or know someone who is, there’s always someone ready to listen. Save these important numbers:
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, 24/7 support from trained counselors.
Warmlines (For Emotional Support): Warmlines are free, confidential lines to talk about stress, anxiety, or loneliness. They’re staffed by peers who understand.
Find a warmline in your area: warmline.org
What’s the Difference?
The 988 Lifeline is for immediate crisis support or when someone’s safety is at risk.
Warmlines are for less urgent emotional support—perfect if you just need someone to talk to.
Sharing this might save a life. Let’s normalize reaching out for help.
Fighting Loneliness
Calling all QCA teens & young adults! Join us for a night of mental health advocacy and community. If you’re feeling lonely this winter seasons, this is the place to be!
On this special mental health night, you will hear from one of our advocates about their story, followed by volleyball, karaoke, and other games.
Date: Wednesday, January 8
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Believers Together Center in Moline, IL
* You do not need to be a part of a Gray Matters chapter to come to this event. All ages 15 and up are welcome. Bring a friend if you can!
Join The Gray Matters Collective for the third annual EVERGLOW! At this event, we will dance and shine light on mental health awareness.
Saturday, January 25th // 7 - 10 pm
Doors open at 6:30 pm
Holiday Inn Ballroom in Rock Island, IL
Each person can fundraise $30 on this site OR pay the $30 yourself in online registration here (includes t-shirt, LED wristband, entry fee, snacks, music, & a great night of dancing)! For questions, email thegraymatterscollective@gmail.com.
All attendees must register before the event: https://givebutter.com/EVERGLOW2025...
The top 3 people who raise the most money will be given a special reward at the end of the night (and of course, bragging rights). Proceeds will go to The Gray Matters Collective chapters!
*This event is open to freshman in high school and older!*
Thank you for all you do to support us, day in and day out. Without your generosity, kindness, and support — we couldn’t do what we do.
Looking to get more involved? Contact us:
Email: thegraymatterscollective@gmail.com
Facebook: The Gray Matters Collective
Instagram: The Gray Matters Collective
Struggling and need support? You are never alone.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or Text HOPE to 741-741
Eastern Iowa Mental Health Mobile Crisis Service (Iowa Service Only): 1-855-581-8111
The Trevor Project Crisis Support: Call 1-866-488-7386 or Text 678-678
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Fantastic. And I can hardly STOP talking about it! New book out today with 40 short vignettes of how I manage my manic mind. Hope you'll take a glimpse! https://tinyurl.com/2rkez486