Local family sponsors suicide prevention movie premiere

PENTWATER — Holland business leader Wayne J. Elhart of the Elhart Automotive Campus succumbed to depression, which resulted in his suicide, March 27.

Wayne was the son of Barbara Davidson and step-son of Gene Davidson, community leaders in the Village of Pentwater. The Davidson and Elhart family has embraced this tragedy and is making it into an opportunity to serve the community by providing an evening of entertainment and serious conversation around the topics of depression and suicide.

The Hope Bridge free movie premiere event is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 21, at First Baptist Church, 101 S. Rush Street, Pentwater, at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.  

“In respect to Wayne and his love for life, the Elhart and Davidson families are initiating an educational opportunity for our community to learn more about this dreadful disease of depression,” Barbara Davidson stated. “Moreover, our society does not know how to deal with loved ones who suffer with this illness. Our family’s goal is to do what Wayne did so well in his life…love on others.”  

Mental illness conditions are treatable. Suicide is preventable. Hope is real.  “That’s why we have teamed with the producers of Hope Bridge,” Barbara said.

Hope Bridge is a movement beginning with a movie starring Kevin Sorbo from the movie “God’s not Dead” and Booboo Stewart from “X Men: Days of Future Past” to educate the community about the effects of depression and suicide.    

The event will feature the movie, along with a panel discussion for questions and answers after the movie that will include contemplators, survivors and lifeguards. Additionally, the Davidson family has teamed up with 10 local partners who either specialize in mental illness treatment or are actively involved with youth programs.  

“They will all be in attendance with an exhibit for attendees to visit before or after the movie,” Barb said.

The 90-minute film will provide answers to the “why” if you’re struggling with a friend or family member took his or her life. It will also provide visual signs to look for to help loved ones who may be experiencing symptoms of depression. This Hope Bridge Movie Premier Event will help save lives and may save yours or your son, daughter, mother or father.

This is a free event open to the public and all are encouraged to attend regardless if people are affected by depression or the loss of loved ones from suicide.