16/12/2022
15 December 2022
For Immediate Release
Fayetteville Comic Con is committed to building and sustaining the “geek” community through our convention offerings, and in representing that community in a positive, value-added fashion. In so much that we value “Community Over Commodity”, we understand that we have a platform to present positive messages during our twice-a-year conventions, through small community engagement events, and through our extensive social media reach. As the topics of depression and su***de have recently become forefront in fandom conversations due to the tragic loss of Jason David Frank, we feel that we have an opportunity to help bring awareness and resources to those in our community who may be in need. Therefore, we are dedicating our Spring 2023 Event, April 22nd and 23rd to the memory of Jason, and planning a unique tribute event, , to both honor him and to bring attention to mental health issues. We know that depression and suicidal thoughts and despair exist in all communities, so we will use our platform to help shine light into the darkness, and hopefully connect those in need with trained resources who can help. We are a fan run show for fans, and we want to help our own.
We have assembled a dedicated steering committee to plan an appropriate tribute, comprised of fans of the Power Rangers franchise, but more importantly, individuals whose lives had been touched by Jason. Under the guidance of Christopher Bradley, who counted Jason as a close friend, we have reached out to close friends and family, co-stars and directors of Jason and invited them to our convention as our guests. The response has been overwhelming, and we are honored that many of these talented actors, voice actors, directors and members of Jason’s family have accepted our invitation. Many of these individuals and family were part of the last project Jason worked on, “The Legend of the White Dragon” and this project will be featured at our show.
We have dedicated space for a tribute to Jason, with a banner, a display of memorabilia, a register for fans to leave their condolence for his family and a “Missing Ranger” table modeled after the missing soldier table we also have at our show. This will be located adjacent to the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention table to assure that resources are available to those in need. His family and friends who are our invited guests will be co-located as well, along what we have titled “Ranger Row”.
We are partnering with key non-profit agencies that promote su***de awareness and provide resources to those in need. We have offered both physical space on our show floor and branding opportunities to these groups free of charge and invite them to help produce a tribute event on Saturday April 22nd from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. This event will feature guest speakers, a tribute memorial film, and an opportunity for fans to gather and express their grief in a safe and inviting space. This “celebration” of the life we lost, will raise awareness and understanding of the dragons we all battle. The tribute will include a green light ceremony, a silent tribute and other unique moments that will both mourn and celebrate our friend. We will raise money during this event for the American Foundation of Su***de Prevention. Our plan is to Live-Stream this tribute, so we have a reach much further than our ballroom for this important message. To aid in these activities, we are actively seeking sponsors to help with the costs.
Other plans are in the works, and we hope that more and more fans reach out to us to participate as we move closer to April. Contact [email protected] or 919-607-9199 for ways you can be involved.
May we all come together to honor the memory of Jason David Frank, spread awareness of the burden of depression, understand the resources available for su***de prevention and all live .
Keith D. Gibbs
President and CEO
Fayetteville Comic Con, Inc.