Delray Beach Fitness Social Raises Funds and Community Support for Veteran Suicide Prevention

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. How the Slash Fitness x Barracks Foundation Fitness Social is structured
4. Why community fitness events matter for veterans
5. The scale of the problem: data shaping local responses
6. The Barracks Legend Foundation: mission, methods and local impact
7. Slash Fitness: local gyms as prevention partners
8. Evidence behind exercise and social connection in suicide prevention
9. From fundraising to measurable outcomes: how dollars translate into prevention
10. Lessons from peer organizations and comparable initiatives
11. Practical guidance for attendees and supporters
12. Safety, inclusion and mental-health resources at public events
13. How local partnerships amplify reach
14. Measuring success beyond dollars: indicators that matter
15. Scaling community-based models: opportunities and constraints
16. What funders and policymakers can learn from events like this
17. Real-world examples of sustained impact
18. How to support beyond attending
19. Preparing organizers: a checklist for trauma-informed, impact-driven events
20. What attendees can expect at the Oct. 24 event
21. The long view: embedding community connection into prevention strategies
22. Practical tools for organizers and funders: templates and metrics
23. Community stories: the human dimension behind the numbers
24. How to maintain momentum after a one-off event
25. Final thoughts on prevention and collective responsibility
26. FAQ

Key Highlights:

• Slash Fitness hosts a public fitness social on Oct. 24, 2026, with proceeds benefiting The Barracks Legend Foundation’s veteran suicide prevention mission; tickets $20 plus fees.
• The event combines group classes, a community run, vendors and challenges to foster connection for veterans—addressing isolation identified as a key suicide risk factor in recent VA data.
• Organizers emphasize community-based interventions, matching local fitness resources and peer support with broader prevention efforts informed by national suicide statistics.

Introduction

A Saturday morning at a downtown Delray Beach gym will gather barre, barbells, yoga mats and running shoes for a cause that extends beyond sweat and performance. Slash Fitness opens its doors for a fitness social on Oct. 24 that mixes classes, a community run and local vendors, with all ticket sales benefiting The Barracks Legend Foundation. The nonprofit frames its work around a simple premise: many veterans facing suicidal thoughts are isolated; bringing people together into structured, meaningful activities reduces that isolation and creates pathways to help.

This event is one of many community-level efforts nationwide that align local fitness culture with mental-health outreach. The push is informed by recent national statistics showing suicide remains a major, persistent cause of death among veterans. Organizers aim not just to raise funds but to create repeatable experiences where veterans and community members form relationships that persist after the workout ends.

How the Slash Fitness x Barracks Foundation Fitness Social is structured

The Fitness Social combines scheduled classes, a group run and community elements intended to build both activity and connection. Arrival and check-in begins at 8:00 a.m., followed by:

• 8:15 a.m. — Heated sculpt class
• 8:30 a.m. — Barbell workout
• 9:00 a.m. — Group run with Fleet Feet
• 9:30 a.m. — Yoga class
• 10:30 a.m. — Second heated sculpt session

Between sessions, vendors will showcase products and services, fitness challenges will encourage friendly competition, and raffles will raise additional funds. Tickets are $20 plus fees, available via Eventbrite or at the door. Slash Fitness is located at 290 SE Sixth Ave., No. 2, Delray Beach, Florida.

The mix of high-intensity and restorative classes is intentional. Strength and conditioning sessions can deliver a sense of mastery and stress relief; yoga provides breathwork and grounding; group runs create natural opportunities for conversation. Pairing those exercises with social amenities—food vendors, product booths and post-class mingling—encourages follow-up interactions that organizers see as essential to lasting impact.

Why community fitness events matter for veterans

Suicide prevention strategies commonly prioritize clinical treatment and crisis interventions. Community-based programs address a different but complementary factor: social isolation. For many veterans, separation from unit cohesion, changes in identity and civilian life stressors drive feelings of disconnection. Events that combine physical activity with intentional social engagement reduce barriers to reconnection by meeting veterans where they already seek camaraderie—fitness spaces and group activities.

Exercise produces measurable benefits for mood, anxiety and sleep. Beyond physiological effects such as endorphin release and improved sleep architecture, structured group exercise establishes routines and shared purpose. For veterans, those elements can resemble the cohesion and mutual accountability experienced in military units. A one-off fundraiser that turns into a recurring meetup or a gateway into regular gym membership can shift a veteran’s daily structure and social contacts in meaningful ways.

Local organizations that pair fitness offerings with referral pathways to mental-health resources make participation safer and more effective. A fitness class with trained staff who know how to recognize crisis signs, plus clear handoffs to local VA services or veteran-focused nonprofits, transforms a community workout into a node in a broader prevention network.

The scale of the problem: data shaping local responses

Federal and independent reports underline the urgency behind events like the Delray Beach fitness social. The 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, released by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in February 2026, recorded 6,398 veteran suicides in 2023. That figure translates to an average of 17.5 veteran suicides per day. Suicide was the 12th-leading cause of death among veterans overall in 2023 and the second-leading cause for veterans younger than 45. Independent analysis by America’s Warrior Partnership suggests the number of veteran suicide and related self-injury deaths could be substantially higher—potentially as many as 44 per day—when accounting for reporting limitations and related cases.

Those statistics shape the priorities of grassroots organizations. Where clinical services can be limited by access and stigma, community events serve as alternative entry points. They reduce friction for veterans who might not seek formal mental-health care, offering activities that are familiar and socially framed rather than clinical.

The numbers also highlight differential impacts across cohorts. Younger veterans, who face high rates of suicide, often confront reintegration challenges—employment, housing, and social networks—that differ from older cohorts. Programs that mix actionable wellness practices with employment and social-navigation resources can therefore be particularly effective for those under 45.

The Barracks Legend Foundation: mission, methods and local impact

The Barracks Legend Foundation centers its work on moving veterans “from isolation to restoration.” Founded to create electrifying experiences that build connection, the organization focuses on events, peer programs and community-building as foundational prevention tools. Its core message emphasizes meaningful experiences, genuine relationships and community support.

Angelo Martinez, Founder & CEO of The Barracks Legend Foundation, said, “Everything we do revolves around bringing veterans out of isolation through meaningful experiences, genuine relationships, and community. Our goal is to create an environment where veterans feel supported, connected, and reminded that they’re never alone.”

That approach recognizes two complementary needs. First, veterans benefit from immediate, low-barrier opportunities to join social spaces where they can belong. Second, consistent and repeated events build networks that can identify and support members who face crises. A one-time workout that becomes a weekly training group turns acquaintances into friends—and friends notice when someone begins to withdraw.

The Foundation’s model emphasizes scaling experiences that have emotional resonance: concerts, sporting events, fitness meetups and mentorship opportunities. Each event serves both as a fundraising activity and as community outreach that can be measured via attendance, referral rates to services and anecdotal reports from participants about improved connections.

Slash Fitness: local gyms as prevention partners

Slash Fitness in Delray Beach markets itself as a community-driven fitness destination that blends personal training, group classes and strength and conditioning programs. Its owner, Joe Ardagna, has positioned the gym as a place for all fitness levels to find support. By partnering with veteran organizations, gyms expand their public role beyond fitness to become community resilience hubs.

Gyms provide practical advantages for prevention work. They already have trained staff who teach movement, manage safety and oversee groups. Their facilities accommodate a range of activities—from high-intensity interval training to low-impact yoga—that suit diverse physical and psychological needs. The environment normalizes asking for help; trainers often develop close relationships with consistent members and can notice behavioral changes.

Local fitness businesses also bring logistical capacity: scheduling, marketing, volunteer coordination and on-site vendors. These operational strengths make fundraising events feasible and repeatable. For the Barracks Social, Slash Fitness contributes venue, instructors, class programming and an existing membership base that helps seed attendance.

Other gyms across the country have taken similar steps. Several community fitness centers have hosted veterans-only classes, partnered with VA outreach teams for pop-up clinics, or developed mentorship programs pairing veteran trainees with community members. Those programs often report increased member retention and reported improvements in participants’ mood and social integration.

Evidence behind exercise and social connection in suicide prevention

Exercise improves mood through biological, psychological and social pathways. On the biological side, aerobic and resistance training influence neurotransmitter systems related to mood regulation. Psychologically, exercise increases self-efficacy—the sense that one can influence outcomes—which counteracts feelings of helplessness common in depression and suicidal ideation. Socially, group exercise fosters belonging and accountability.

Clinical research shows exercise reduces depressive symptoms across populations and can reduce suicidal ideation in some studies. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials repeatedly demonstrate moderate effects of exercise on depressive symptoms, and trials that incorporate social support or group formats often show enhanced outcomes compared with solo exercise programs.

Translating those general findings to veteran suicide prevention requires tailored programs. Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, or mobility limitations need modified approaches. Programs that pair fitness with trauma-informed behavioral health support yield better retention and outcomes. Structured group efforts, peer mentorship and persistent follow-up make the difference between a one-off mood boost and durable reductions in risk.

From fundraising to measurable outcomes: how dollars translate into prevention

Raising money is one objective; converting those dollars into measurable prevention outcomes is another. Nonprofits often invest event proceeds into several categories:

• Immediate support services: transportation stipends, emergency housing vouchers, or crisis counseling referrals.
• Community programming: ongoing group activities, mentorship pairings, and peer-support meetings.
• Training and capacity building: educating volunteers and staff in suicide recognition and safe messaging.
• Outreach and scaling: marketing, partnerships with local healthcare providers, and expanding geographic reach.

For The Barracks Legend Foundation, proceeds from the Slash Fitness event support programming that creates repeated opportunities for veterans to connect. That may include subsidized tickets to concerts, sports outings, recurring fitness groups, or transportation to community events—interventions that remove logistical barriers to participation.

Evaluating impact requires clear metrics: attendance trends among veterans, retention in programming, referral volumes to mental health services, and participant-reported outcomes on loneliness, depressive symptoms, and perceived social support. Longitudinal tracking—while more resource-intensive—offers the clearest picture of whether community events lead to durable reductions in suicide risk.

Fundraising events can also build awareness. When local businesses and municipal stakeholders see veterans regularly engaged in community programs, political and philanthropic support often increases. That amplifies the reach of frontline organizations and helps fund the administrative work required for longitudinal evaluation.

Lessons from peer organizations and comparable initiatives

Community-driven prevention is not new; several organizations demonstrate how fitness and social activities can be deployed at scale.

• Team Red, White & Blue focuses on social activities and fitness to combat isolation among veterans. Their model centers on community teams that organize runs, hikes and social gatherings. Local chapters often partner with gyms for training and event logistics.
• America’s Warrior Partnership connects veteran-serving organizations and has advocated for community-based approaches, highlighting how civic engagement and local resources complement VA services.
• The Warrior Wellness and other Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) create integrated programs that combine physical fitness, vocational assistance and mental health referrals.

These organizations emphasize repeatable, scalable activities. A recurring weekly run, monthly celebration, or regular mentorship meeting sustains social ties in ways a single event cannot. Partnerships with local businesses and fitness centers permit geographic spread without requiring substantial capital investment for facilities.

Real-world examples show measurable benefits. Chapters that transitioned from monthly to weekly programming observed increased average attendance, higher volunteer engagement and improved self-reported social support among participants. Those outcomes point to an essential design principle: frequency and consistency trump spectacle. Big events attract attention; consistent meetings build networks.

Practical guidance for attendees and supporters

For community members considering attendance, the event offers both a low-cost way to help and a low-barrier opportunity to meet veterans. Practical tips improve the experience for all participants and enhance the community-building potential.

Before arrival:

• Register online if possible to streamline check-in and reduce lines.
• Review class descriptions to pick one that matches fitness level and any physical limitations.
• Arrive early to register, meet organizers and learn about volunteer and mentorship opportunities.

During the event:

• Treat conversations as open invitations rather than interrogations. Ask about interests rather than military service specifics unless the veteran volunteers that information.
• If someone seems distressed, reach out but avoid making assumptions. Offer to find staff or connect them to Foundation representatives.
• Respect boundaries around physical contact and disclosure—some veterans may avoid discussing service-related trauma in public settings.

After the event:

• Follow up. A quick message or an invitation to a future class builds continuity.
• Consider volunteering or becoming a regular participant. Frequent interactions create stable ties that reduce isolation.
• Donate beyond ticket purchases if possible. Even modest monthly gifts allow organizations to plan repeat programming.

For employers and local businesses:

• Sponsor classes or provide in-kind support such as gear, transportation vouchers or food.
• Offer flexible schedules so employees can volunteer or attend events.

Safety, inclusion and mental-health resources at public events

Fitness events can be joyful but must also prepare for risk. Organizers should embed safety practices and mental-health resources into the event design.

Key elements to implement:

• Trained volunteers and staff who can recognize signs of acute distress and escalate appropriately.
• On-site quiet spaces where participants can step away and access private conversation with trained staff or peer supporters.
• Visible signage with crisis resources, including the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1, or chat via the Veterans Crisis Line website), local VA resources, and hotlines for general crisis support.
• Partnerships with local mental-health providers who can offer same-day or quick-turnaround referrals.
• Trauma-informed protocols for instructors and volunteers: guidance on language, boundaries and how to respond when someone discloses ideation or trauma.
• Accessibility accommodations for mobility limitations, ADA compliance for the venue and low-impact class options.

Preparing for these needs does not medicalize the event; it creates a safer environment that reduces the risk of harm and facilitates immediate support when required.

How local partnerships amplify reach

Partnerships form the backbone of community prevention work. Slash Fitness’s collaboration with Fleet Feet for the group run and the Barracks Legend Foundation as beneficiary shows how different entities bring complementary assets.

• Fitness businesses contribute space, trainers and promotional reach.
• Running retailers add route planning, safety briefing and gear.
• Nonprofits bring experience in veteran outreach and program development.
• Local vendors increase foot traffic and deepen community ties.
• Media and municipal partners raise visibility and attract volunteers.

Deliberate partnership building ensures events move from isolated fundraisers to integrated community offerings. When organizations share data, coordinate calendars, and cross-train staff, participants experience a coherent network rather than disconnected one-off efforts.

Measuring success beyond dollars: indicators that matter

Fundraising totals are easy to report. Deeper measures reveal whether events change lives.

Valuable indicators include:

• Veteran attendance as percentage of total participants and their retention over subsequent events.
• Number of new veteran participants who engage with other Foundation programming after the event.
• Referrals to mental-health services and the percentage that result in completed intake or appointments.
• Volunteer recruitment and retention rates—sustained volunteer involvement indicates ongoing community investment.
• Participant surveys measuring changes in perceived social support, loneliness and intent to continue participation.
• Qualitative outcomes such as testimonials or case studies that document specific instances where community involvement led to crisis prevention.

These metrics require intentional data collection: sign-in sheets that capture veteran status (voluntary), short follow-up surveys and coordination with referral partners who can report back on service uptake while protecting confidentiality.

Scaling community-based models: opportunities and constraints

Community events scale well in some respects: low overhead, local partnerships and volunteer engagement. However, several constraints complicate expansion.

Opportunities:

• Replicable programming templates (falls, runs, yoga sessions) can be shared between chapters or communities.
• Sponsorship models create predictable revenue streams.
• Training toolkits and volunteer curricula can be standardized for rapid deployment.

Constraints:

• Sustained staffing and administrative capacity are essential for follow-up and evaluation.
• Geographic disparities in veteran resources mean some areas lack referral partners to complement community efforts.
• Measuring outcomes at scale demands investment in data systems and privacy safeguards.
• Overreliance on volunteer labor can limit reliability and longevity.

A pragmatic scaling strategy balances replication with investment in administrative backbone: hire program coordinators, establish data-sharing agreements with service providers and build multi-year funding commitments.

What funders and policymakers can learn from events like this

Funders and policymakers evaluating investments in veteran suicide prevention should value community-based programs as part of a diversified prevention portfolio. These events serve three strategic functions:

1. Engagement: They reach veterans not currently connected to clinical services.
2. Prevention: They reduce risk through social integration and routine-building.
3. Referral: They act as gateways into formal care when necessary.

Policy and funding should support the administrative infrastructure that turns events into sustained programs: staff salaries, data systems for evaluation, training for volunteers in suicide recognition, and partnerships with local health systems. Short-term grants for one-off events generate visibility but provide limited evidence of long-term impact. Multi-year commitments create the continuity needed to demonstrate outcomes.

Funding agencies should also recognize the importance of small-dollar, unrestricted grants that allow nonprofits to pilot different engagement strategies and adapt based on participant feedback.

Real-world examples of sustained impact

A community running team that began as a monthly meetup evolved into a structured chapter with weekly training, mentorship and job-placement workshops. After two years, the chapter reported increased employment referrals and fewer emergency service utilizations among regularly engaged veterans. Another case involved a gym-led peer mentorship program that partnered with regional VA Vet Centers; veterans who participated in both the fitness program and Vet Center services reported larger reductions in depressive symptoms than those engaged in either program alone.

These examples underline the multiplier effect of combining fitness-based engagement with formal services. The social scaffolding built by consistent group activities lowers barriers to clinical care, reduces stigma and creates practical supports such as ride shares and emergency contacts.

How to support beyond attending

Attendance provides immediate financial support and social contact. Long-term impact grows when community members move from sporadic participation to sustained engagement.

Ways to contribute:

• Become a recurring donor to underwrite transportation or subsidized program slots for veterans.
• Volunteer regularly as a class assistant, event steward or peer mentor.
• Host or sponsor a class series at local gyms with proceeds directed to veteran programs.
• Advocate with employers or local governments to fund community-based veteran services.
• Provide in-kind donations: athletic shoes, cold-weather gear, food vouchers or gym equipment.

Employers can support by offering paid volunteer time or sponsoring matches for employee donations. Small businesses can host pop-up events and display resource information.

Preparing organizers: a checklist for trauma-informed, impact-driven events

Event success depends on intentional planning that centers veteran needs. Organizers should consider the following checklist:

• Define clear objectives: fundraising target, participant numbers, number of veterans served.
• Establish safety protocols: crisis response plan, on-site mental-health professionals or trained volunteers, quiet room.
• Coordinate referral pathways: prearranged contacts at VA facilities, local mental-health clinics and crisis lines.
• Train staff and volunteers in trauma-informed interactions and suicide-safe language.
• Create accessibility plans: ADA compliance, low-impact class options and transportation assistance.
• Track outcomes: simple post-event surveys, sign-in data and a plan for follow-up communication.
• Secure multi-channel promotion: local media, social media, veteran organizations and partner businesses.
• Plan for continuity: schedule regular follow-ups, announce future programming and recruit volunteers for ongoing efforts.

Designing events as entry points rather than endpoints fosters a pathway into sustained community engagement.

What attendees can expect at the Oct. 24 event

Attendees can expect a structured morning with multiple class options and opportunities to connect. The schedule alternates higher-intensity classes with restorative sessions, offering a balance that suits different fitness levels. Local vendors and raffles create a social atmosphere.

Veteran attendees should find a welcoming environment with explicit messaging about the Foundation’s mission to reduce isolation. Community members will encounter a mix of promoted fitness and genuine outreach. For those interested in deeper involvement, organizers typically provide volunteer sign-up forms and information on future programming.

Tickets are $20 plus fees and available through Eventbrite or at the door. Because proceeds support veteran programming, the purchase functions as both registration and donation.

The long view: embedding community connection into prevention strategies

Events like the Slash Fitness x Barracks Foundation Social are evidence of a shift in prevention thinking. Where clinical interventions remain essential, community-level actions address the social dimensions of suicide risk—loneliness, purpose loss, and fractured daily routines.

Embedding connection into community routines creates a protective layer. Regular gatherings—training runs, weekly classes, service projects—offer repeated opportunities for observation and intervention. When communities normalize checking in on one another and create accessible pathways to care, the cumulative effect can lower risk at a population level.

Sustained impact requires investment. Data collection, staffing, and partnership maintenance come at a cost. Funders that treat community-based prevention as an integral component of public health, rather than as supplemental goodwill, enable the enduring partnerships and infrastructure necessary to reduce veteran suicide rates over time.

Practical tools for organizers and funders: templates and metrics

Organizers can use simple templates to accelerate implementation:

• Event Impact Dashboard: captures attendance, veteran participation, funds raised, referrals to services, volunteer hours.
• Volunteer Training Pack: short modules on suicide-safe conversations, confidentiality, signs of crisis and escalation protocols.
• Partnership Memorandum: clarifies roles for fitness centers, retail partners, mental-health providers and transportation services.
• Post-Event Follow-Up Plan: email templates, survey questions, and a timeline for outreach to new veteran participants.

Funders evaluating proposals should request a basic theory of change: how the event will lead to sustained participation, the referral network in place, and measurable indicators to track success.

Community stories: the human dimension behind the numbers

Quantitative measures matter, but so do the narratives that explain why participation matters. Consider a veteran who attends a fitness social hesitant to speak about service experiences. They join a training group, slowly increase attendance and, over months, develop friendships with other members. A peer notices withdrawal and offers a ride to a Vet Center appointment. That appointment leads to counseling, medication adjustment and employment support. The veteran credits the chain of small social interactions—shared laughter after a run, a consistent training schedule—for creating the space to accept help.

These stories do not replace data but illuminate the pathways programs target. They also underscore a practical truth: prevention often relies on low-cost, high-frequency human contact more than on rare, expensive clinical interventions.

How to maintain momentum after a one-off event

Converting occasional participants into regular members requires intentional follow-through.

Suggested steps:

• Capture contact information at sign-in with explicit consent for follow-up.
• Send personalized thank-you messages that include a calendar of upcoming events.
• Create small-group follow-ups—“welcome” runs or beginner-friendly classes—to lower the barrier to re-entry.
• Offer incentives for return attendance: discounted class packs, referral bonuses or volunteer recognition.
• Use social media groups or messaging apps to keep participants connected between in-person meetings.
• Invite participants to help shape future programming; co-creation increases buy-in.

These steps create continuity and increase the likelihood that events lead to lasting social ties.

Final thoughts on prevention and collective responsibility

Addressing veteran suicide calls for a range of interventions. Clinical treatment, crisis hotlines and policy-level changes remain essential. Community-level programming—fitness socials, mentorship groups and repeated civic engagement—complements those efforts by reducing isolation, creating daily routines, and fostering the human connections that often precede help-seeking behavior.

The Slash Fitness x Barracks Foundation Fitness Social exemplifies how local actors can mobilize existing resources to create events that are simultaneously fundraising and prevention-minded. Every workout becomes an opportunity for connection; every vendor booth a doorway to resources; every raffle ticket a small contribution to sustained programming. When communities show up consistently, the cumulative effect increases veterans’ chances of finding stable support.

FAQ

Q: Who benefits from the Slash Fitness x Barracks Foundation Fitness Social? A: Proceeds and ticket sales benefit The Barracks Legend Foundation, which directs funds to programming designed to reduce veteran isolation and prevent suicide. Veterans in South Florida and community members who attend both gain opportunities for connection; local vendors and partners gain visibility and a channel for outreach.

Q: When and where is the event, and how much does a ticket cost? A: The event is Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon at Slash Fitness, 290 SE Sixth Ave., No. 2, Delray Beach, FL. Tickets are $20 plus fees and can be purchased on Eventbrite or at the door.

Q: What activities are included in the Fitness Social? A: The schedule includes heated sculpt classes, a barbell workout, a group run organized with Fleet Feet, and yoga. Local vendors, fitness challenges, raffles and prizes will be available between sessions.

Q: If I’m not physically fit, can I attend? A: Yes. The event offers a range of class intensities. Visitors can choose restorative classes such as yoga, observe, volunteer, or come to socialize. Organizers typically provide low-impact options and encourage participants to select activities aligned with their fitness level.

Q: How does this event contribute to suicide prevention? A: Funds support community programming that funds continued social engagement for veterans. The event also creates immediate opportunities for veterans to connect with peers and community members. These consistent social ties reduce isolation, which is a risk factor for suicide. Organizers also typically provide information about crisis resources and referral pathways to mental-health services.

Q: What safety resources will be available at the event? A: Organizers commonly include on-site staff or volunteers trained to recognize crisis signs, information about the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1), and referral contacts for local VA resources and mental-health providers. Quiet spaces and private consultation areas may be offered.

Q: How can I support the cause if I cannot attend? A: Support options include donating to The Barracks Legend Foundation online, volunteering for future events, sponsoring upcoming programming through local businesses, or donating goods such as athletic gear and transportation vouchers.

Q: Are children and family members welcome? A: Family-friendly elements typically depend on the event’s setup. Check the Eventbrite listing or contact Slash Fitness or The Barracks Legend Foundation for details about age-appropriate activities and any childcare provisions.

Q: How will organizers measure the event’s impact? A: Organizers can track attendance, veteran participation, funds raised, referrals to mental-health services, volunteer engagement and follow-up survey responses that assess participants’ perceived social support. Long-term impact assessment requires coordinated data collection over multiple events.

Q: Who should I contact for more information? A: Visit The Barracks Legend Foundation at https://www.barrackslegendfoundation.com and Slash Fitness at https://slashfitpro.com for event updates, volunteer opportunities and contact information. Ticketing details are available through the event’s Eventbrite page. For immediate crisis support, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, or use the Veterans Crisis Line chat online.