On Saturday, July 26, 2025, the community will gather at Five 4s Distillery in Newton Falls for a powerful and heart-driven event: The First Annual Active Military Suicide Awareness Benefit, honoring the life and legacy of Sergeant Conner Mills, a proud U.S. Marine who tragically died by suicide. This event is both a celebration of life and a rallying cry to confront a national crisis too long ignored.
Running from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, the fundraiser will feature live music on two stages, local food trucks, raffles, handcrafted cocktails, and community connection — all in support of 22 for 22, an organization dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health resources for our military heroes.
“This is personal,” says Erica Gifford Mills, Conner’s mother and one of the organizer behind the event. “Mental health in the military has become the new ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’ The stigma is still alive, and silence is costing us lives. We need to do more — and we will do more. My son’s story will not end in silence. It will spark change.”
An estimated 22 veterans and active-duty service members die by suicide every day. Behind every number is a name, a face, a family. T This event aims not only to raise funds but also to foster meaningful conversations, to bring those stories to light and build a supportive space for healing, awareness, and action.
A massive shoutout goes to The Five 4s Distillery, whose generosity and heart made this event possible. Their space isn’t just a venue, it’s a sanctuary for community, compassion, and purpose. Their commitment to this cause is nothing short of extraordinary.
Live Music Lineup Includes:
• 12 PM: Whiskey Pete
• 1 PM: Memphis Honey Blues Band
• 2 PM: Ted Snyder
• 3 PM: Zack Orr
• 4 PM: Lane Haas
• 5 PM: Dustin Allen
• 6 PM: Amanda Jones
• 7 PM: Steve Vuich
• 8 PM: Mike Brown
• 9 PM: Drenalin
• 10 PM: Relic
Each artist is donating their time to help amplify this message and we are incredibly grateful for their support. Guests are encouraged to thank and support these musicians beyond the event.
Location:
The Five 4s Distillery
417 N Center Street
Newton Falls, OH 44444
This is more than a fundraiser — it’s a movement. A call to honor those who serve, support those who struggle, and change the conversation around military mental health. Join us.
Let’s turn heartbreak into hope. Let’s be the voice when others can’t. Let’s do more — because our warriors deserve more.
