Nick and Jake’s owner, Kevin Timmons, is looking to find a positive purpose from a personal tragedy.

“Fore the Kids is about creating a relationship between Kansas City, Johnson County, and Overland Park with Children’s Mercy,” Jennifer Timmons said.

The Nick and Jakes, Fore the Kids, golf tournament started in 2002 where it has continued to grow throughout the years.

“The golf tournament this year is partially to raise awareness about the significant problem with suicide in our community,” Anne Timmons said. “They’d also like to raise awareness to the lack of mental health treatment that is greatly needed in the community.”

Finding quality and impactful care for people with mental illness is very difficult for Blue Valley just as it is for other suburban communities.

“I would say a majority of my friends suffer from anxiety, depression or ADHD,” Jennifer said. “It’s very common amongst young adults, but the topic is so often avoided and left untreated.”

One of the biggest breakthroughs in mental health, genetic testing, allows patients to know how their body reacts or works with certain medications.

“We’d like to create a fund for a much-needed psychiatrist in the Children’s Mercy South Behavioral Health Division (BHD),” Anne said. “Another portion of the funds will be earmarked to pay for genetic testing for people who cannot afford it.”

Children’s Mercy receives between 1,500-2,000 teen referrals per month for issues related to mental health, yet they only employ seven psychiatrists.

“It is important because first and foremost, there is a growing statistic amongst young adults (teens-twenties), of suicide,” Kevin said. “Furthermore, in an effort to honor my son, Nick, and make his death mean something, we chose the direction of “Nick’s Voice.”

The golf tournament will take place on Oct. 9, at the Lionsgate Golf course. Following the golf tournament will be an auction at Nick and Jake’s.

“Our goal is to raise half a million dollars and we plan to raise the money needed through golf tournament sponsors, corporate donations, costs for players to play in tournament, raffles and auction items,” Kevin said.

Fore the Kids is opening up the topic that has been left behind a closed door.

“We hope that discussing the issue openly will take some of the stigma away from the disease and will therefore create a change in funding and treatment for mental health,” Anne said.