Image of Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City. Photo Credit: KSL Sports/ Real Salt Lake)
SANDY, Utah — Real Salt Lake fan and Rancid drummer Branden Steineckert is encouraging fans of the team to help raise funds for suicide prevention throughout Utah.
To that end, Steineckert and Nick Rimando will be signing autographs at the team store tent at Rio Tinto Stadium Saturday at 5:30 p.m. They will also be selling new scarves. All money raised from the sale of the scarves will go toward the Utah chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The team will be matching the donation total from the sale of the scarves dollar for dollar.
The presentation of the donation will be made during the team’s Pride Night Game on June 25.
“Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in Utah,” said Club President John Kimball in a press release. “And, according to Utah Department of Health, for every person in the US who dies by suicide, twice as many die in Utah. This is an ‘all hands-on deck’ situation, and Branden’s efforts will save lives. Our collective participation will contribute to raising funds for suicide research and education programs focused on eliminating the loss of life by suicide.”
The team is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the chant “Believe.” It was made famous by Steineckert. Additionally, the Real Salt Lake team store is relaunching “Believe” gear. The gear includes flags, shirts and scarves.
“I am a major advocate for suicide prevention, having lost loved ones to suicide as well as being an ally for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Steineckert in a press release. “I recognize the crucial need and importance for support systems like the AFSP. No one should struggle alone with mental health issues or thoughts of suicide.”
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