We are 809 Fight for Awareness: a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit owned and operated by active-duty Pasadena firefighters. Born out of a heart and passion to serve others, our mission is to put an end to the epidemic of firefighter and first responder suicides – which as of 2017 continue to surpass line of duty deaths.

We got our start in 2019, when over 500 people gathered to witness the first outdoor boxing exhibition between first responders staged in Pasadena. Over $30,000 were raised, and in the process, lifelong bonds were forged. After Covid, we were able to build on that success in 2022 and 2023, forging partnerships with culturally-competent therapists and national organizations that also support first responders facing mental health challenges.

This year’s event is Stand Up for First Responder Mental Health – where 140 attendees will enjoy an evening of standup comedy from comedians like Chris Estrada (This Fool, Hulu) and Frankie Quiñones (This Fool, Hulu). We intend this event to foster fellowship and serve as an opportunity to raise awareness around the need for culturally-competent mental health services for first responders.

In addition to the comedy show, we are hosting a raffle whereall funds raised directly benefit first responders in need of mental health services by offsetting therapy costs, and allow us to continue doing outreach to promote awareness around first responder mental health. This is where you come in: we need partners to help us boost awareness and ultimately, to help us raise funds to provide first responders with the support they need and deserve, without judgment or stigma. We are requesting monetary donations or in-kind donations to be included in our silent auction.