JPO Foundation

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of attending the second annual “It’s All About Love” tennis event, as a local community partner that promotes kindness and supports mental health in honor of James Patrick O’Connell. In February of 2021, James sadly ended his life. The O’Connell’s have done an exceptional job taking this tragedy and making it their mission to promote mental health and positive relationships. Mental health matters and the stigma around it needs to change.

The JPO Foundation was able to donate over $30,000 to local mental health organizations last year from their first event. This year, they are on track to double it! Please enjoy this BSCN video clip from the event: “Love Means Everything.”

The event was filled with people who knew James, who knew the family, or who wanted to support mental health. There were smiles and tears shared as guests shared stories about James and also their own personal stories with family members and friends effected by mental health struggles. It was remarkable to see so many people at this second annual event playing tennis, doing something James loved and excelled at, as well as people supporting his parents, siblings, nieces and nephews and grandmother. Children were able to attend a free clinic led by tennis pros, Luke and Murphy Jensen, who won the French Open Doubles. Murphy shared his own story of winning the French Open and at the same time struggling with his own mental health. He shared how he overcame and continues to work on his own mental wellness.

In The Kindness Machine, the book focuses on ways to be kind to others. BUT! It also shines a light on being kind to ourselves and loving ourselves. This concept of loving ourselves is tough business. It was important to include it in the book because if young readers and listeners can start hearing this message now, and if the adult readers get the gentle reminder while reading it aloud, maybe we are helping people realize how amazing they are and the importance of being kind to ourselves.

In case no one told you today:
YOU MATTER.
YOU ARE WORTHY.
YOU ARE LOVED.

I would absolutely love to have FIVE readers donate any amount to the JPO Foundation as they continue to donate to local mental health organizations to promote positive relationships and support mental health.

If a donation is not something you are able to do at this time, please help others learn about the JPO Foundation by sharing on social media or messaging friends/family members. You can also follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram.

A shoutout to the O’Connell family for pouring their hearts into the event, to all the volunteers (especially Nancy. J. & The Riegers), to all community partners and volunteers, to everyone who played tennis and to everyone who was able to make a financial contribution. A final shoutout to my parents who helped me during the event and provided plenty of laughs.