The lifestyle brand and nonprofit Happy Jack was founded by late teenager Jack Nathan in order to help those struggling with mental health and ultimately give back to those in need. After Jack passed away at the age of 19 in 2020, the legacy of Happy Jack lives on through his parents and his sister and continues to provide resources and outlets for those facing mental health difficulties.
For Mental Health Awareness Month, Happy Jack announced the 2nd Annual RunRaiser happening on Sunday, May 22, 2022 in Livingston, NJ.
According to the event website:
When Jack passed, it was clear to everyone that we wanted to do so many things to help raise awareness and money for that which was so important to him. Our amazing friend Eddy Steinberg, saw first-hand the effect Jack's life and death had on those close to him. He thought a wonderful way to honor Jack and his memory would be by raising money for a cause he believed so much in. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so here is our challenge to you. On May 22, 2022, from 9AM – 12 PM, (with the race starting at 10 AM) we encourage those interested to run a 5K / 3 mile / 7 1/2 laps around the Livingston High School Oval with us.
You can also donate and/or commit to a sponsorship for the run. There will be music, food and merchandise if you want to purchase as well. Please send this to friends, family, colleagues or strangers. Blast it out wherever possible.
Happy Jack is not only a nonprofit but a lifestyle brand that was created by Jack in June of 2020 which embraced the idea that "it's okay not to be okay." Those who sport the merchandise from happyjacksworld.com also share the brand's message of love, acceptance, and understanding. Their most recent drop is called the "Cloud Collection" which focuses on overthinking.
We asked Jack's father, David Nathan about this collection and his advice to anyone who is dealing with those struggling with it. "Everyone suffers from Overthinking everyday. We are just addressing the fact that doing this countless times a day "clouds" your ability to think clearly and make rational decisions. Which leads to anxiety," Nathan shared. "If you are confident in yourself and your decision making process, then you will be fine accepting how you move throughout your day and your anxiety levels will drop."
So what’s next for Happy Jack after the May 22nd RunRaiser?
"We have a lot of moves coming with Happy Jack," Jack's father, David Nathan shared with onairwithryan.com. May 22 we are doing our 2nd annual runraiser for Happy Jack and Mental Health Awareness at the Livingston High School in Livingston New Jersey from 9-12. May 27 and 28 we will be in the seaport of NYC on Hester Street at a Pop up event for Memorial day weekend. June 17th we are doing a welcome college students home Happy Jack event in NYC. Sept 9 Happy Jack/Changemakers event at the Prudential Center in Newark New Jersey to help support and prevent Mental Health Illness."
Photo: Happy Jack
David also shared some ways you could participate in the RunRaiser if you can’t physically be there. “You can always go to HappyJacksWorld.com, purchase the clothing on the site, which has portions going to different mental health charities and foundations along with other great causes. Or you can go to the Eventbrite link for the Runraiser and make a donation there.”
To learn more about the RunRaiser and to participate in the event, check out the event link here.
About Happy Jack
Happy Jack is Jack Nathan. HappyJacksWorlds is you. Jack created this community, and the products within its pages, as a safe haven for kids who struggle with mental illness. In turn, he helped himself. He eased his anxiety via painting and design and by loving and helping others. Jack left us suddenly and accidentally on July 3, 2020 at the age of 19. His passing was unrelated to mental illness. Jack was a survivor. Not a victim. He struggled yes, but he persevered. So that's what we ask of you. Persevere. For Jack, for us, and for the millions who wrestle with a mental illness. Please help to keep Jack's legacy alive. He was just getting started.