SUN VALLEY, NV (Sept. 27) – For the last several years the Impalas Car Club of Reno has teamed up with Forever 14. It’s not only a car meet but the proceeds raised help support suicide awareness.
This time the show had a greater impact on the club as they lost their newly elected president, Jordan Clark, in July when he took his life.
This reporter had a chance to speak with past president Kevin Bland.
Asked about what happened he said, “This July we lost our newly president of the club that we just elected. Unfortunately he lost his battle for what ever he was going with. His name was Jordon Clark, a good friend of mine for 35 years, couldn’t ask for a better friend. It affects everybody.
“I think mental health issues play a big part of it, unfortunately it doesn’t discriminate on age, race at all. It’s just a huge problem we have in our community. Everybody has their issues they to through, unfortunately that’s the way they choose to deal with it.”
Then he added “We’ve been with Forever14 for quite a few years now, this is our 6th annual. We like to partner up with them and trying to let everybody know that we’re here for you, if we could be there to help, we’d be there.”
Later the club came together for a group picture at Clark’s memorial space.
If someone wants to contact Kevin they can go to kevindbland@gmail.com or Impalas Car Club of Reno on Instagram.
As one drove through the park entrance they would register their vehicle then find a place to park.
Right where cars entered the Impalas Car Club had its cars parked.
The club’s display was split into parts.
Not far away Forever 14 had their both. Beside it were small posters with names of young people that were lost as well as a saying from their families.
The group was started by Kerri Countess and Storm Stenvold after they lost their youngest son.
Asked about this Countess said, “Forever14 was founded in 2019 when our youngest son, Caleb, who was age 14, died by suicide. He was a student athlete, a funny kid, he came from the right side of the tracks, had opportunity and privilege but for reasons we don’t know Caleb ended his life.
“Me, a mother of 5, did not know that suicide was the number one cause of death of children in our county, in our state, and other mom’s didn’t know either. We knew at that point we had to use our story to help save some kids. So sadly since Caleb died 50 plus kids have taken their lives here in Washoe County in the last seven years.”
She added that the epidemic continues and Forever14’s message is to normalize the conversation to remove the stigma around mental health.
“We create fun and engaging opportunities and believe connection is prevention and awareness saves lives.”
Being part of this event started when four years ago Kevin Bland from the Impalas Car Club asked if they’d table the event. After conversations Bland asked if Forever14 would be a benefactor of the event.
“This is our third official year with the Impala Car Club out here this year is particularly meaningful because on July 8th the president of the Impala Car Club took his life,” she said.
Storm then said, “It’s something you’d never want to wish on any other parent but each suicide affects so many in the community. That’s why we’re trying to help raise that awareness to limit that impact on our community. “
While the event had a somber part for many that participated it was also fun. Cars lined up and filled the edges of the park.
There were all types from cars, vintage VW’s, as well as pickups. Everyone is welcome at this event.
There were also raffles. While some prizes were for adults there were ones for kids as well.
Over in the middle there was a display of cars whose owners have modified their suspensions. So they were tilted in different ways.
All in all it was an event that helped Forever14 as well as celebrated the memory of Jordan Clark from the Impalas Car Club of Reno.
REPORTER’S NOTE: If any of those reading this knows a young person going some difficult times I’d suggest they contact Forever14. The website is; www.forever14.org.
There will be a second stand-alone weekend report this evening that includes the usual week announcements.
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