Get to Know Lake Forest Resident Tim Helfrich and The Pete Foundation
Advocating for Mental Health Awareness
For Tim Helfrich and his family, giving back isn’t just a hobby—it’s a mission. He has been volunteering for The Pete Foundation for the past five years. Tim knows that mental health (like cancer) doesn't discriminate. "I wanted to join an organization that actual moves the needle. After hearing Pete's story and learning more about the foundation's progressive action, it was a great fit. My favorite Uncle succumbed to mental illness when I was young. I know how much suicide can impact a family and want to do our part to reduce that pain for any family, especially in our community," Tim says.
Mental health is a conversation that needs to be louder, more accessible, and free of stigma. That’s exactly what The Pete Foundation is working to accomplish—one event, one training, and one life-changing moment at a time. The foundation was created to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health, providing education, resources, and community-driven initiatives that make a real difference.
How The Pete Foundation is Making an Impact
With a focus on education, prevention, and community engagement, The Pete Foundation leads several key initiatives:
- The Big Stomp Music Festival (July) – A high-energy music festival designed to spark conversations around mental health while raising funds for mental health education and resources.
- Pickleball for Pete’s Sake Tournament – A fun and competitive way to raise money for mental health awareness through sport.
- QPR Training (Question, Persuade, Refer) – Suicide prevention training that teaches individuals how to recognize the warning signs and take action.
- Mental Health Awareness Campaigns – Encouraging the community to show support by flying mental health flags, ordering awareness license plates, and simply checking in on friends.
How You Can Get Involved
Anyone can take part in The Pete Foundation’s mission. Here are some simple ways to contribute:
✔ Sign up for QPR Training – Equip yourself with the knowledge to help someone in crisis.
✔ Participate in the Annual Pickleball Tournament – Raise funds while having fun!
✔ Attend or Volunteer at The Big Stomp – Be part of an event that makes an impact.
✔ Order a Mental Health Awareness License Plate – Available at drive.ky.gov.
✔ Fly a Mental Health Flag – A visible way to show support.
✔ Start Conversations – Check in on your friends and loved ones.
✔ Sign up for QPR Training – Equip yourself with the knowledge to help someone in crisis.
✔ Participate in the Annual Pickleball Tournament – Raise funds while having fun!
✔ Attend or Volunteer at The Big Stomp – Be part of an event that makes an impact.
✔ Order a Mental Health Awareness License Plate – Available at drive.ky.gov.
✔ Fly a Mental Health Flag – A visible way to show support.
✔ Start Conversations – Check in on your friends and loved ones.
Bringing Awareness to Lake Forest
As part of its commitment to community engagement, The Pete Foundation is offering a free QPR training class for Lake Forest residents on Wednesday, April 16th. Often referred to as the “CPR of mental health,” QPR equips individuals with life-saving skills to help someone experiencing a crisis.
For volunteers like Tim, who dedicate 40-50 hours a month to volunteering for this cause, the work is never finished—but with every conversation, every event, and every trained individual, they are one step closer to breaking the stigma and saving lives.
Having lived in Lake Forest for eight years, Tim alongside his wife, Amanda (“the Queen and most beautiful creature God created”), and their children, Jack (14) and Bear (12), chose this neighborhood for its perfect fit of work-life balance. As small business owners, being close to work and school was a priority, but what they’ve come to love most is the strong sense of community. “Lake Forest is special because people look out for one another,” they say. And that’s exactly what they strive to do through their advocacy for mental health.
To learn more about The Pete Foundation or how to get involved visit ThePeteFoundation.org.