Inaugural Reaching For Zero brunch in Carson City to take aim at reducing rate of veteran suicide

An inaugural veteran appreciation and suicide awareness brunch is planned for Jan. 20.

Sponsored by the Nevada Rural Counties RSVP program, the Reaching For Zero brunch will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Nevada Room of the Governor’s Mansion.

The goal of the event is to raise awareness of veteran issues and provide veterans with suicide prevention resources, emergency transportation, wellness checks, and a wide-ranging support system.

The event will feature speakers, Color Guard by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 989 of Reno, live music by Mile High Jazz Band and a silent auction and raffle offering the chance to win two round-trip tickets to any Southwest Airlines destination.

Guest speakers include: Kevin Burns of the Western Nevada College Veterans Resource Center; Misty Vaughan Allen of the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health; and Monique Foreman of the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Tickets cost $50 per person; $90 per couple and $450 for tables that accommodate 10.

Proceeds will benefit RSVP’s Veteran’s VIP program, which provides emergency transportation, wellness checks, and a wide-ranging support system for veterans throughout rural Nevada.

For reservations, call 775-687-4680, or go to www.nevadaruralrsvp.org.