Thumbs Up Charity Luncheon featuring Keynote Speaker Joe Schmit

We want to invite you to our very first Charity Luncheon featuring Keynote Speaker Joe Schmit!

The purpose of the Charity Luncheon is to raise awareness of Thumbs Up in new markets and to introduce our organization to new businesses that may be unfamiliar with us. As Thumbs Up expands into new areas and the demand for our services continues to grow, we are seeking to secure new foundation donors, sponsors, and partners. This event will enable us to extend our presence into new communities, raising awareness about mental health and offering support and resources to all.

Thumbs Up got started in 2014 after co-founder Katie Shatusky lost her grandfather, Bob Schmit, to suicide. Katie, along with several community members, decided to host a 5K memorial run in Elk River to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. The hoped to start the conversation about mental health and to help put an end to the stigma around mental illness. In 2016, Thumbs Up became an official 501 (c) nonprofit organization in the state of Minnesota.

Thumbs Up is impacting lives through suicide prevention and mental health initiatives through nine different programs. One of them led to the creation of a teen after-school program, furthering our commitment to youth mental health crises. Thumbs Up is continuously working to enhance teen mental health educational opportunities through artistic, recreational, and collaborative activities offered through our teen after-school program. We are giving students a safe space to come together to build community and friendships with access to mental health resources, support, and overall mental, physical, and emotional wellness activities.

About the Keynote Speaker, Joe Schmit. Joe is an author, award-winning broadcaster, community leader, and popular keynote speaker. His book "Silent Impact" Influence Through Purpose, Persistence, and Passion is now in its second edition. His second book, "The Impact Blueprint," is a step-by-step journey to a life of significance. Joe's newest book, which is a collaboration with Hall of Famer legend Joe Mauer, is a children's book called "The Right Thing to Do." 100% of the book proceeds benefit two charity organizations: Thumbs Up and Highland Friendship Club. Joe was recently honored by the National Speakers Association with the Certified Speaking Professional designation. As a sports broadcaster, he has covered every major sporting event in the past four decades and has interviewed many of the biggest names in sports. He joined KSTP-TV in 1985 and has won 18 Emmys from the National Television Academy.

Please join us for a delicious lunch, an entertaining keynote from Joe Schmit, and a few words from one of our longtime donors, John Houlton of First Bank Elk River.

Please invite your friends and colleagues! We look forward to seeing you on June 24th at Rush Creek Golf Course!

If you cannot attend but would still like to support that cause, you can donate on our website.