RIPL-Raw Iron Powerlifting League

01/20/2025

It is that time of year again, we are beginning the push for the 5th Annual Lifting the Stigma powerlifting meet benefiting the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention - North Texas Chapter. As we begin to reach out to potential sponsors, vendors, and lifters, please remember that 100% of all entry fees and donations goes to su***de prevention in the local area.
We are seeking monetary sponsors, donations for lifter awards, volunteers to work the meet, and many other things. If you or your family have ever been touched by su***de or mental health struggles, there is a place for you at this meet.
Please tag anyone that you know of that might be interested in volunteering, sponsoring, donating, or lifting. Please help us Lift the Stigma on su***de.

01/14/2025

01/01/2025

What better way to start the New Year than to try to raise more money and awareness for su***de prevention?
We long for a day when there is not a stigma around su***de and mental health issues, for a day when we don’t need to raise money for su***de prevention efforts, but until that day RIPL is dedicated and determined to do all that we can for the cause.

Last year we had our first ever meet in Azle, and thanks to the efforts of Jimmy and Melissa Toy the meet was a resounding success. It was such a success that we reached out to Jimmy about the idea of making this a charity meet where 💯 of all entry fees and donations will go directly to the to raise money for su***de prevention efforts in the local area.
We will be working directly with Jimmy, Melissa, Mario, and others to start getting vendors and sponsors for the meet - all vendor fees and sponsorship will go to the charity as well.
Expect more posts in the near future as we ramp up efforts to raise money and awareness for su***de prevention in the Azle area.
***deprevention #988

12/23/2024

You asked, so we have added a meet. We are excited to be going back to ! Henderson has always been a fun, and very competitive meet, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone on the platform there.

12/19/2024

Mark your calendar and start training for your next meet. Remember, Lifting for Lavi is a charity meet benefiting the and Lifting the Stigma benefits the with 💯 of all entry fees to those meets going to charity.

We look forward to seeing you on the platform in 2025.

10/19/2024

Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of officer Victoria Bailey. Please keep the Rowlett Police Department in your thoughts and prayers.
If you are struggling or know someone who is, please call or text 988, or reach out to one of us here. Together let’s on su***de and mental health struggles.
Rest easy hero.

10/01/2024

October 1st - October 31st any $200+ purchase gets you entered into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate.🎉

Drawing will be November 1st.
(Layaways excluded.)

09/30/2024

While the judges, spotters/loaders had no way to know it, from the day the Trevor Broach Teen Lifter Award was announced Jose Gonzalez said he was going to win the award for Trevor - his friend and classmate.
At the end of the meet, Jose was the unanimous choice of those voting on the award, and you can see the emotion he had in receiving it from his (and Trevor’s) coach - Don Woods.
What the judges and spotters don’t see, is that daily Jose continues to exhibit the same attitude in the gym, always being a positive influence, and always being there to support his fellow lifters.
The award was based on the life that Trevor led, and the legacy that he leaves behind, as we want to continue to honor his memory and let his life shine on. Below is a little about Trevor as seen through the eyes of his parent's:

Trevor Broach was a special young man who touched the lives of many people with his kindness and warmth. He was the firstborn child in his family, a proud big brother to his younger siblings, and a cherished son.

Growing up, Trevor was full of energy and enthusiasm. He loved playing sports and could often be found outside, running around with his brother and sister. He was also a fan of video games, enjoying the fun and competition they brought. His friends always knew they could count on him for a good time and a great laugh.

Trevor was not just about fun and games; he was also an excellent student. He worked hard in school and was excited to start a new chapter in his life at the University of Arkansas, where he planned to study business. His future was full of promise, and he had big dreams ahead of him.

What really stood out about Trevor was his ability to be a great friend. He was the kind of person who was always there for others, ready to listen and offer support. He had a way of making people feel valued and cared for, and his friends appreciated his loyalty and kindness.

Trevor will be remembered for all of the wonderful things he brought into so many lives—the laughter, the friendship, the love. Though he’s no longer here, the impact he had will never fade. Trevor is missed and loved by so many and his memory will always be a source of comfort and inspiration.

09/25/2024

There were 2 new awards for the 4th Annual Lifting the Stigma powerlifting meet benefiting the
For the first time we had teen lifter awards - voted on by the judges, spotters, loaders, and platform managers, the awards were named in honor or Nycole Jere and Trevor Broach - to keep their memory alive, and honor the lives that they led.

The female teen award was awarded to , and if you have ever met Brinklie, you know exactly why.
lifts briefly described the life Nycole led in these words…
“The LTS 2024 female teen lifter award is named for Nycole Thornton

The award recipient was chosen for qualities that Nycole lived by daily. How you treat others and how you make sure everyone you encounter leaves better because of you

Nycole cared for friends and family with a deep conviction but it did not end there. She once traded a Gatorade for a snake on the school bus because she was afraid the boy who had the snake would be mean to it. If you know anything about middle school you also know Gatorade has a value of gold

If Nycole was your friend you had a friendship that would never be questioned. She loved hard and protected her friends fiercely.

Human or animal or snake Nycole was going to have your back and be your biggest supporter.”

09/24/2024

It has always been our goal to be able to get the local schools involved in Lifting the Stigma so what we can bring the message to as many of the students and faculty as possible. Superintendent of MPISD schools Judd Marshall called us today and has made that more possible than ever. Details have been worked out to allow The 5th Annual Lifting the Stigma benefiting the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention - North Texas Chapter to be held at 1 of the gyms on the MPISD campus.
We are grateful for the support of the local school district as we look to lift the stigma on su***de and mental health issues.

08/24/2024

Join team RIPL-Raw Iron Powerlifting League for the Tyler walk November 2nd
This link will take you to our team registration page.

Please support the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by su***de. Donate or register to walk!

08/17/2024

Thank you to all who made this possible - the support you show RIPL is unparalleled in the powerlifting community.

We are deeply grateful to and Donnie & Jodie Duncan for their unwavering commitment and incredible support over the past four years. Their dedication through the Lifting the Stigma Powerlifting event has been monumental in supporting AFSP North Texas and vital programs. Since 2021, they’ve raised over $70,000 for our work!

North Texas AFSP Board member, Kay Pleasant, recently traveled to Pittsburgh, Texas to accept a check for $27,125. This remarkable contribution funds vital programs and raises critical awareness about su***de prevention. It stands as a powerful testament to breaking stigma, providing hope and healing—and remembering those lost. A huge thank you to this community for advancing & supporting our mission.

Thank you, Donnie, Jodie, and the entire Raw Iron Powerlifting League team, for your exceptional dedication and profound impact in our fight against su***de.

08/15/2024

To all of our friends and followers, we are looking to grow our page and we need your help.

Please go to our page, click the dots and select “Invite Friends” then click “select all” this will send an invitation to your friends and ask them to follow the RIPL page.

This is a GREAT way to support your small business community and help us get the word out. The more people we can reach, the more we can do for charity and the more we can lift the stigma on su***de and mental health as start preparing for next year’s meet.

08/10/2024

In the coming days I am hand writing thank you notes to as many people as I can. But simply put, thank you is never going to be enough.
Because of our lifters, sponsors, vendors, and all who donated their time and money, RIPL was able to write a check to the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention for $27,125. We have since met with 1 representative from the AFSP and spoken at length on the phone with another about how the money will be used, and how we can expand the program to other areas.
We want to try and recognize our vendors, sponsors and donors so that you know who supported this cause, and who you should support. I am sure I will unintentionally miss someone, but if I do, please DM me and I will make it right.

The businesses listed below combined to contribute over $10,000 in cash, not to mention raffle items, and awards.

Anderson Powerlifting
Pioneer Fit
Buddy Marshall Insurance Agency
Partners Furniture
Smith Furniture & Appliance
Grayrock Landscape & Irrigation
Cross Law Firm
Camp County Chrysler Dodge
Toliver Buick GMC
Ruby and Begonia
Pittsburg Steel
Mt Pleasant Animal Clinic
UT Health East Texas
Zone smelling salts
Atlas Roofing - Shingles
KAAB mfg
Grayrock Landscape & Irrigation
Thompson Air Conditioning & Heating Inc
Guardian Bell Health
MCM Customs
Farmers Insurance - Dillon Lee

We could not do what we do without the support of our local businesses. Additionally businesses such as The Red Barn Restaurant and Chick-fil-A Mount Pleasant, TX fed the workers on Friday and Super 1 Foods made sure we had water.

We are blessed to live in a community that wants to change the way su***de is viewed and talked about. Together we will Lift the Stigma.

Thank you,
Donnie and Jodie