The Community Partner for The Call List at Third Avenue PlayWorks in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is Prevent Suicide Door County. A portion of the proceeds from the Pay-What-You-Will performance on September 23rd will go towards our Community Partner. Those interested in attending the preview to support this organization, may arrive as early as 6:30 p.m. on the evening of the performance for general admission seating. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Donations may be made in advance on the day of the preview (watch your email for link!), or in cash or with checks made out to Third Avenue PlayWorks once you arrive. Half of the proceeds will benefit this show’s Community Partner. There will be a donation box in the lobby during the run of The Call List, September 23rd through October 11th, 2026.
To bring awareness to the county about suicide and the rising numbers of deaths by suicide in the county.
What are some of the main programs or services offered by the organization?
We hold an annual walk to bring awareness and support those who have lost someone to suicide. We also hold a monthly SOS Peer Group at JAK’S Place for those who have either lost someone to suicide or are a survivor themselves, and provide QPR Training (Question, Persuade, Refer) to the community upon request. This program offers individuals the skills to recognize when someone is in crisis and the knowledge of how to respond.
Can you share a meaningful or inspiring story from the past year highlighting your work?
On a Monday afternoon, I received a call from a woman in another city who was was upset because she had been on the phone with a friend here in Door County who had told her he was going to end his life by swallowing a bottle of pills before he hung up. When she couldn’t reach him, she called us, and we called 911. Three days later, that man came to my office to meet me and say “Thank You” for saving his life. It was so awesome to see he was okay and getting the help he needed, and emotional for me knowing another family would not have to get the news they had lost a loved one like I did when I lost my son.
What are some of the challenges your organization faces in carrying out its mission, and how are they addressed?
Suicide is not a topic people like to talk about until it affects them because there is a stigma that comes with suicide. We address that challenge head on through community engagement and talking about it to make people aware that due to mental illness many feel suicide is the only choice. We also strive to give people the knowledge to recognize and react to a person in crisis because it only takes one person to care, to help, to save a life.
Looking ahead, what are some of the organization’s goals or priorities for the future?
Because county parks are a popular spot for suicide deaths, we have a goal to get 988 signs in the county parks. We are also working on getting quarterly ads in the local newspaper to promote awareness of the topics of depression, mental health, and suicide. We are always working on new ways to be visible in the community, such as partnering with organizations like TAP.
What is the best way for the community to support these efforts?
You can support Prevent Suicide Door County by attending the annual walk or visit us at other community events. Support and encourage people you know who have been affected by suicide to attend the SOS Peer Group. Talk about suicide and the effect it had on you with others. By sharing our stories, we encourage others to share theirs.