Gardiner, Maine – William Kelley has launched a heartfelt fundraiser aimed at honoring the memory of his high school football teammate, Michael Lavallee, who tragically took his own life. Kelley and his former teammates are working to raise $15,000 to build a remembrance monument at their high school to keep Lavallee’s memory alive.
The fundraiser, titled "Honor a Friend: Support a Remembrance Monument," has so far raised $650, with contributions coming from friends and supporters. Michael Lavallee himself made a donation of $250 just two hours before the current update. Two anonymous donors also contributed $200 each, showing strong early support for the initiative.
Kelley explained the emotional motivation behind the memorial. "Just because he is gone in the physical sense, doesn’t mean his memory needs to die as well," he stated. The remembrance monument is intended to serve as both a tribute to Lavallee and as a reminder to others who may be struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts that they are not alone.
The project is close to Kelley’s heart, as he hopes the monument will serve as a beacon for those facing mental health struggles, potentially saving lives in the future.
The fundraiser remains active, with the goal of reaching $15,000 to complete the memorial. The community is invited to participate by donating and sharing the effort.