Samaritans held its 2025 Breakfast for Hope on Wednesday, April 30, at the Westin Copley Place. Over 450 people attended in person and virtually for a truly powerful morning, highlighted by deeply moving personal stories from Samaritans community members. The event raised over $614,000 for our lifesaving programs, thanks to the generosity of our community and a $100,000 matching gift from Bancel Philanthropies. During the event, Samaritans Chief Executive Officer and President Kathleen C. Marchi announced the launch of Every Conversation Counts: a campaign to create a world without suicide, where everyone has someone to talk to.
“Every day, hundreds of people reach out to us for compassionate support, but we know there is more we can do,” said Kathy when announcing the $26M campaign, which has already raised $20M. “Our goal is ambitious. But we are determined to reach it. Due to the uncertainty with government funding, perhaps even for 988, we feel an urgency to reach it.”
Voices from Our Community
Keynote Speaker and Samaritans Trainer Paula Correia delivered a powerful address on the importance of belonging. She opened up about her suicide attempt as a teenager and the mental health journey that followed. As a peer facilitator of the Survivors of Suicide Attempts (SOSA) support group offered by Samaritans, Paula shared the need to give survivors space to feel connected.
“I learned a long time ago that life is all about the relationships that we have, and those relationships are often made through conversations. I thank God and feel blessed that my conversations didn’t end at the tender age of thirteen,” she said.
The program also featured a heartfelt impact video, where Paula and fellow Samaritans community members— SafePlace Facilitator Alex Magyar, Campaign Cabinet Member and Volunteer Jeanine Murphy, and Board Member Apratim Purakayastha— shared the ways that Samaritans has helped them find connection after their lives were impacted by suicide.
Honoring a Son’s Memory
Samaritans gave special recognition to the Connolly family for their longstanding commitment to suicide prevention. Since losing their son and brother, Ryan, to suicide 11 years ago, the Connolly family has selflessly dedicated their time, generously donated their money, and tirelessly supported our mission. Samaritans Board Member and Campaign Cabinet Co-Chair Debbie Connolly shared deeply moving remarks on the loss of her son and why she supports Samaritans.
“I would give anything to share one more moment with Ryan. For him to have one more breath. For him to know that he could call someone, day or night, and hear a befriending voice whenever he felt completely alone,” she said. “Being here today—and being a part of this essential campaign—makes me feel as hopeful as ever that we are moving toward a world without suicide.”
A Call to Make Every Conversation Count
In her compelling closing remarks, Samaritans Chief Executive Officer and President Kathleen C. Marchi encouraged audience members to be courageous and speak up when they are worried about someone.
“For every single person in this room, I say, let us not be afraid to ask the ‘hard to ask’ questions and have tough conversations. In those moments where you think, I shouldn’t say anything, I hope you think about Samaritans and our resources – and I hope you remember that a conversation can save a life,” she said.
