Out of Tragedy, Hope: the Anthony Trissell Memorial Foundation

The Foundation’s logo, created by Cassandra Barth, honors Anthony by cleverly working his initials into an image of him.

How do you de-stigmatize mental health issues, especially among young people? One local organization is paving the way for getting people the help they need.

Vandalia’s Anthony Trissell Memorial Foundation was started by his classmates immediately after his passing in 2016. The class of 2018, Anthony Trissell’s class, started a Go Fund Me page. Eventually, funds were converted to a 501(c)3 non-profit, and the Anthony Trissell Memorial Foundation was named the 2020 non-profit of the year by the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce. The Foundation’s logo, created by Cassandra Barth, honors Anthony by cleverly working his initials into an image of him.

The Trissell Foundation’s “MARCH ON” program is a way of honoring the gifted & talented life of Anthony Trissell, and the Butler Marching Band, that he loved. With community support and donations, such as Kroger Community Rewards, Thrivent Financial and a $1,500 grant from the Vandalia-Butler Foundation provide, they have given back to the Butler High School Marching Band, Color Guard and Kickline. According to the organization, Vandalia Drumline seniors always receive extra consideration for available scholarships because Anthony Trissell loved being part of the Butler High School drumline.

At the recent SummerFest, sponsored by the foundation, they had a large memorial tent to honor his memory. Staff sold Avon bug guard, and a large percentage of those sales and other donations will go directly to Anthony’s Memorial Foundation.

In addition to awarding senior scholarships, the Anthony Trissell Memorial Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization, serves nutritious meals to the Butler HS marching band, color guard, kickline and their directors during band camp week and before each home football game. In 2023, they served over 120 members, directors and their volunteers twelve times. Meals are served at Vandalia United Methodist Church which was Anthony’s church.

It’s the mission of the Anthony Trissell Memorial Foundation to work to de-stigmatize mental health issues. Donations can be mailed to Anthony Trissell Memorial Foundation, PO Box 394, Vandalia, OH 45377-0394. For more information, please contact Susan Trissell, ATMF president, 937-750-5545.

The organization would like to thank the community for their continued support as they “March On.” They also reminded readers that if they feel depressed and might consider taking their lives, PLEASE call 988. “Don't allow yourselves to become permanent victims. Do NOT be embarrassed to seek help and support from your friends or from counselors when you need it. That's ok. That's life. Call 988 and just talk to someone.  Everyone struggles at times. March on & you'll also be successful at times.”