Douro's Cody Crowley Nearing $55,000 Pledge Through Team 55 For CMHA To Raise Suicide Awareness

Douro Boxer Cody Crowley has almost reached his fundraising goal of $55,000 through the local suicide initiative Team 55 for Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of CMHA.

At the start of the year, Crowley and his family pledged to raise $55,000 for Team 55, which supports CMHA HKPR’s Assertive Outreach for Suicide Prevention program (AOSP). The program connects with individuals who have had a suicide attempt and helps them establish a safety plan and connect to support services according to a press release.

In March, Crowley raised $20,000 through a local viewing party at Dr. J’s BBQ and a raffle for two to fly to Las Vegas to attend his match in the Welterweight Title against Abel Ramos.

Last Saturday, Crowley and his family hosted an inaugural golf tournament, the Heart Opener, at Keystone Links in memory of his father, Jim Crowley and Michael Wood. The event saw over 100 golfers and raised over $28,000.

“On top of how successful both of these fundraising initiatives were, the biggest impacts have been the connections that have been formed within the community and the continuation of my own healing from my father’s passing,” said Crowley. “ A lot of love has and will continue to be exchanged as we heal together as a community and prioritize mental health and wellness.”

Individuals can donate by going online and selecting ‘Cody Crowley Campaign,’ from the drop-down menu.

“Let’s continue changing the narrative around mental health and working together as a community to make resources accessible to all,” said Crowley.

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Video: Cody Crowley Hosting Inaugural Team55 Tackles Suicide Golf Tournament Fundraiser For July 8

As part of Cody Crowley’s pledge to raise at least $55,000 for Team 55 Tackles Suicide initiative, he is hosting his inaugural charity golf tournament at Keystone Links Golf on July 8.

@ptbo_canada ♬ son original - FIGHTER 🥊🔥

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Douro Boxer Cody Crowley Earns Majority Decision Victory Over Abel Ramos In Las Vegas Bout

Emotion was overflowing for Douro boxer Cody Crowley as he is one step closer to challenging for World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title after his win over Abel Ramos in an elimination match at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of Esther Lin / Showtime.

Crowley won his fight on his 30th birthday by majority decision with the judges scoring it 116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 in a 12-round bout. He improves his record to 22-0 with nine knockouts.

Ramos initially knocked down Crowley in the 11th round and was initially ruled so as Crowley’s glove appeared to touch the canvas. The Nevada commission reviewed the knockdown and corrected that call, saying Crowley’s glove did not touch.

The Douro southpaw had dedicated his fight to his father who took his own life last year. This was his first fight since his passing.

Cody voice was quivering and fought back tears during his post-fight interview with Jim Grey as he was overwhelmed with emotion.

“I worked my whole entire life for this opportunity,” said Crowley. “The last two years I didn't want to live because I couldn't get my shot. Fights kept getting cancelled. I've been training since July. I've been broke and I wanted to take my own life and I didn't. My dad did. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be here today.”

Prior to the fight, Crowley had pledged to raise $55,000 for Team 55: Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness as he has had mental issues during the course of his life. There was $18,840 already raised from a raffle prior to his fight.

“Anyone who is thinking about taking their own life, who doesn't want to be here, I'm proof you can keep fighting and you will win,” he explained. “I just want to say I love my dad and I love my mom and without them, I wouldn't be here today and I wouldn't be the man I am.”

Crowley is possibly slated to fight the winner between the second-ranked Yordenis Ugas and fifth-ranked Mario Barrios with their fight scheduled for the summer.

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Dr. J's Hosting Viewing Party For Douro's Cody Crowley's Vegas Bout On Saturday Night

Ahead of Douro boxer Cody Crowley’s biggest fight in Las Vegas, boxing fans can view his fight at Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews viewing party and aid his ‘55 for Team 55’ fundraiser on Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of Cody Crowley.

The viewing party’s $20 admission fee goes toward Team 55: Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness and the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Assertive Outreach for Suicide Prevention program.

Crowley has a 21-0 record with nine knockouts. He is fighting Abel Ramos in the Showtime pay-per-view at a Premier Boxing Champions event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. A Team 55 patch is being worn on his trunks for the fight.

Crowley dedicated his fight to his late father Jim Crowley who ended his own life last year. Cody pledged to raise $55,000 for Team 55. There was $18,840 already raised from a raffle with the grand prize of ringside tickets, flight and accommodation to see the fight.

Addison Brown, owner of Dr. J’s BBQ and Brews, has been Cody’s friend for the past eight years and is proud to support him in whatever way possible.

“When he was looking for sponsorships throughout Peterborough, I reached out to him saying ‘I’ve been following you and growing up as an athlete, I’ve had a lot of support with the community and I wanted to sponsor you for the next fight,’” explained Brown. “We grew and developed a relationship. He helped me when I was going through some things about my brother and I did with his father.”

Reservations for the fight can be made at the Dr. J’s website.

Cody spoke at a Team 55 Friday Night Lights fundraiser in 2017 that sparked a friendship with Dave Pogue, Team 55 founder who lost his son Mitchell to suicide.

“Cody’s commitment to fundraising in the name of his father, through his international boxing platform not only is commendable but amazing, as far as we are concerned at Team 55,” he said. “Since 2017, Cody has been a great supporter of our mental health and suicide awareness programs and for him to commit to raising $55,000 for Team 55 this year will help keep our Assertive Outreach for Suicide Prevention program running for another year and a half.”

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Over $18,000 Raised For Suicide Awareness In Douro Boxer Cody Crowley's "55 for 55" Fundraiser

Boxer Cody Crowley’s ‘55 for 55’ fundraiser is off to a good start, raising $18,840 for Team 55: Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness of their $55,000 goal in a cheque presentation at Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews on Monday.

Scott Elliott won the grand prize for the flight to Vegas to see Crowley’s fight. Photo courtesy of Addison Brown.

The fundraising raffle occurred last Wednesday that featured prizes such as dinner for Dr. J’s, WBC-signed gloves from boxing legends such as Julio Cesar Chavez, Roberto Duran, Gerry Cooney, a One With Life tequila package and a grand prize for a round-trip flight, accommodations and ringside seats to see Cody’s fight.

“Cody Crowley, James Julie Crowley and Kevin Williams really did something amazing by raising $18,840 in just two weeks with help from friends and family,” said Addison Brown, Dr. J’s owner.

Crowley announced the fundraiser in honour of his late father who passed away last year ahead of his 22nd professional fight on March 25 in Las Vegas. The 21-0-0 Crowley is scheduled to box Abel Ramos in a 12-round World Boxing Council (WBC) title elimination fight at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.

The proceeds are going towards the Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention program run by the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation and Canadian Mental Health Association.

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Douro Boxer Cody Crowley Fundraising $55K For Suicide Prevention To Honour Father's Memory

Boxer Cody Crowley is pledging to raise $55,000 for Team 55: Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness in honour of his late father ahead of his 22nd professional fight on March 25 in Las Vegas.

Photo courtesy of Addison Brown.

The 21-0-0 Crowley is scheduled to box Abel Ramos in a 12-round World Boxing Council (WBC) title elimination fight at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The Douro boxer has dedicated the fight to honour his late father Jim Crowley who passed away last year.

The ‘55 for 55’ fundraising raffle features prizes such as dinner for Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews, WBC-signed gloves from boxing legends such as Julio Cesar Chavez, Roberto Duran, Gerry Cooney, a One With Life tequila package and a grand prize for a round-trip flight, accommodations and ringside seats to see Cody’s fight.

Photo courtesy of Addison Brown.

Raffle tickets are available at Dr. J’s with a limited amount left with the deadline at 6 p.m. Wednesday and the draw at 7 p.m. Cody will make a virtual appearance at the drawing to talk about his upcoming fight and the fundraiser according to Dr. J’s owner Addison Brown.

The two have been friends for roughly eight years and have supported each other through similar times.

“When he was looking for sponsorships throughout Peterborough, I reached out to him saying ‘I’ve been following you and growing up as an athlete, I’ve had a lot of support with the community and I wanted to sponsor you for the next fight,’” explained Brown. “We grew and developed a relationship. He helped me when I was going through some things about my brother and I did with his father.”

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Team 55's Friday Night Lights Raises Over $28,000 In Its 10th and Final Year

The 10th and final year of Team 55 Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness Friday Night Lights concluded, raising $28,000 for the campaign.

Dave Pogue at the ninth annual Team 55 “Friday Night Lights” event last year. Only one family member per player was allowed to watch the game during that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The number was confirmed by founder Dave Pogue and was recorded as the second-highest total ever raised.

The “Friday Night Lights” football game was at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School’s athletic field and has raised over $600,000 since it began in 2013.

Proceeds support Canadian Mental Health Association initiatives that helped launch the Assertive Outreach for Suicide Prevention program.

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Team 55's Friday Night Lights Running Its Final Year After a Decade; Fundraiser to Continue In Subsequent Years

The decade milestone of the “Friday Night Lights” football fundraiser for suicide awareness with Team 55 is running its last year and held at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School this Friday.

Dave Pogue at the ninth annual Team 55 “Friday Night Lights” event last year. Only one family member per player was allowed to watch the game during that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The final theme for this year’s event is a homecoming for Thanksgiving weekend. Anyone who participated in the event in the last nine years is invited to attend with opening ceremonies beginning at 6 p.m. — though fans are encouraged to arrive at 5:30 p.m. — It is also a celebration of the event’s culmination over the years.

Peterborough Petes president Dave Pogue Team 55 is having its last event because the event planning takes exhausting amounts of work and feels he’s accomplished the goal of having a “decade of discussion” regarding suicide.

“It's a lot of work, it's very difficult to put on an event like this and it's stressful because tend to want to one-up ourselves every year,” explained Pogue. “The conversation has been rampant over the last nine years which is exactly what we were after.”

Team 55 will remain active in fundraising despite Friday Night Lights doing its last year.

Pouge founded the Team 55 campaign after losing his son Mitchell to suicide. The charity is named after Mitchell’s jersey number, 55 as he captained the Adam Lions football team.

Over $600,000 has been raised for suicide awareness, aiding Canadian Mental Health Association initiatives that helped launch the Assertive Outreach for Suicide Prevention program. It provides help and resources for attempted suicide victims or those contemplating it.

The double-header football games begin with opening ceremonies beginning at 6:00 p.m. then the following matchups:

• 7:00 p.m. - Adam Scott Collegiate and Vocational Institute vs. Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School

• 9:00 p.m. Holy Cross Secondary School vs Crestwood Secondary School

The games will be broadcasted by YourTV Cogeco with the field open at full capacity.

Fundraising efforts are through donations online, their Facebook page “Team55 Tackles Suicide Awareness” or sending a cheque to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offices at 415 Water St.

An online silent auction will run until Saturday evening. Big-ticket items include Petes private suite package, signed Steve Yzerman jersey, signed acoustic guitar by Carrie Underwood, $500 freezer meal package and more.

A barbecue is available on site that includes burgers, hot dogs, snacks, soft drinks and hot drinks.

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Annual Friday Night Lights Fundraiser For Suicide Awareness Running for a Touchdown

The ninth annual “Friday Night Lights” football fundraiser for suicide awareness with Team55 will take the spotlight at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School on Friday.

Photo Courtesy of Team55.

The “Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness” campaign will feature a double-header of football games with opening ceremonies beginning at 6:00 p.m. and girls’ rugby games in the afternoon.

• 7:00 p.m. - Adam Scott Collegiate and Vocational Institute vs. Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School

• 9:00 p.m. Holy Cross Secondary School vs Crestwood Secondary School

The games will be broadcasted by YourTV Cogeco where spectators will be tightly limited to avoid large gatherings.

This year’s slogan is “What do you do for you?” to encourage mental health, especially among youth.

Last year’s message was, “Who would you talk to in your time of crisis?” Photo Courtesy of Team55.

Team55 was founded by Dave Pogue, Peterborough Petes president, after losing his son Mitchell to suicide. The number 55 was the latter’s jersey number when he played football for the Adam Scott Collegiate.

The game was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic however the fundraising efforts were still made.

“We’re thrilled to have the live football back, no questions,” said Pogue Mainly for the kids that missed out on participating in sports.”

A goal of $15,000 has been set for the event. Last year raised just under $25,000 with over $17,000 raised in the silent auction alone.

Fundraising efforts are through donations online, their Facebook page “Team55 Tackles Suicide Awareness” or sending a cheque to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offices at 415 Water St.

An online silent auction will run until Saturday evening with over 110 donated products. Big-ticket items include Blue Jays tickets, a Carrie Underwood-autographed acoustic guitar, Petes Centre Ice Suite tickets and more.

“Local businesses and people who are interested have donated these items,” said Pogue. “They just keep coming back to help. There’s a real camaraderie behind this community to help in mental health.”

Proceeds go to the CMHA’s Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention (AOSP) program that seeks help and resources for attempted suicide victims.

Tara Slone, Juno nominee and Canadian Football League alumnus and Peterborough’s Brad Sinopoli will guest star in the games’ opening ceremonies.

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Team 55 Announces Details For 7th Annual Friday Night Lights

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R.) and Team 55 announced details for the 7th Annual Friday Night Lights event happening on October 4th at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School.

Friday Night Lights is a Team 55 football event supporting suicide prevention through the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge. Funds raised through Friday Night Lights this year will once again go towards C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R.’s Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention (A.O.S.P.) program.

Team 55 Founder Dave Pogue at press conference

“When we took this on, we pledged $40,000 a year for two years,” says Dave Pogue, founder of Team 55, noting the total cost of the position is approximately double their pledge. “We’ve come on board to pledge another $40,000 for the fourth year. All the funds raised will go to this program.”

In addition to seeing some of the best high school football in the province, attendees can expect engaging opening ceremonies with special guest speaker, Richard Clune of the Toronto Marlies.

“The opening ceremonies are your chance to hear from our guest speaker and listen to impactful stories that will inspire you to support mental health in any way you can,” says Pogue. “We hope if any audience members are still reluctant to talk about mental health that this will encourage them to seek help.”

Jack Veitch, Manager of Community Engagement and Education for C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R.

A barbecue will also be running from 12 p.m. when games start until the end of the event. Team 55 merchandise will be for sale and everyone there will have the chance to chat with a representative from C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. about their programs and services and the A.O.S.P. program in particular. 

“We are so grateful for the support of Team 55 as well as all donors who make this program possible,” says Jack Veitch, Manager of Community Engagement and Education for C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. “Their dedication to mental health and suicide awareness has had an incredible impact on the lives of so many in our community,”

“That said, in order for this remarkable program to be truly sustainable, we cannot continue to rely on members of our community to raise or donate the funds. The A.O.S.P. program is changing lives throughout Haliburton, Kawartha, and Pine Ridge and we believe it could change lives across Ontario, should government funding be made available.”

THE DETAILS (Friday, October 4th)

-> 12 p.m. Games and Barbecue Begin
-> 6 p.m. Opening Ceremonies,
-> 7 p.m. Main Event Kick-off
-> Location: Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School, 1009 Armour Rd., Peterborough

For more info, see Team 55 on Facebook.

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