Progressions Salon Spa Store will host a September fundraiser to benefit UMTTR (You Matter) as the salon celebrates 33 years of business at its Nebel Street location in Rockville, Maryland. Founded in 1984 by Cindy Feldman, Progressions is a full-service salon, spa and retail store servicing the Washington, D.C. area.

During September’s National Suicide Prevention Month, Progressions will be hosting a special raffle from September 1-30 to raise awareness of suicide and its prevention. Funds raised from the raffle will be donated to UMTTR in memory of Progressions team member Maguilia Yi’s 30-year old-grandson who passed away in April.

“Teen suicide is a growing concern, and mental illness is one of the most frequent causes,” says Cindy Feldman. “To bring about change, strong advocacy is needed to heighten suicide awareness — from the warning signs to prevention.”

Educating the community on mental illness, suicide prevention, and “The 5 Signs” is a major goal of UMTTR. The five signs of suffering are withdrawal, agitation, hopelessness, poor self-care, and personality change. The organization promotes reaching out, inspiring hope, and offering help to anyone exhibiting these signs. Showing compassion and a willingness to find a solution along with reaching out to resources in the community can help save a life. By educating schools and youth athletic organizations with information, tools, and funds, UMTTR empowers young adults to change the culture of mental health. For more information about the organization, visit www.umttr.org.

The raffle’s grand prize is a pair of signed boxing gloves donated by legendary professional boxer Sugar Ray Leonard plus a $2,000 gift card. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20, and are available at Progressions Salon Spa Store, by calling the salon at (301) 231-8757, and online at www.progressions.com. The winner will be contacted by phone in early October.