Fundraising Focus: Music, Merch, and Making a Difference for Suicide Prevention in Memory of Chester Bennington

Any person or organization can set up a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: funds which go toward education and loss support programs available through AFSP’s local chapters across the country; scientific research to help learn how more lives can be saved; public policy advocacy; and more. Learn how you can set up your own AFSP fundraiser here.

Chris Felt:

I’ve struggled with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation for as long as I can remember. I’m 36 and have waged an ongoing battle with my mental illnesses since I was 11 years old. I grew up in a broken home, surrounded by domestic violence, including physical and emotional abuse. I was conditioned to believe speaking about mental health struggles as a man was to show weakness. My home never felt like a safe space to have open dialogue about these things — so I bottled up all the anxiety and depression within me.

My mental health struggles reached a pinnacle one morning; luckily, I was talked out of my suicide attempt by my parents. But despite family therapy, my home continued not to be a safe space, with domestic violence and my mother making an attempt on her own life. Thankfully, she survived.

Throughout this tumultuous time, I struggled to find an outlet until I found my way to the healing power of music.

I found solace listening to two bands, in particular: Linkin Park and Papa Roach. Songs like "Crawling," "Papercut," "Broken Home," and "Last Resort" deeply resonated for me. For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel alone. I felt so connected with the lyrics, and began to understand that other people fight the same mental war I had been fighting. Those songs helped me learn that talking about your mental health isn’t weakness: it’s actually the strongest and most courageous thing you can do.

Zac Roberts:

Have you ever sat in a room full of people and felt like you couldn't connect with anyone? Like there was something wrong with you or you weren't meant to connect with people? That's pretty much how I felt my entire childhood and most of my adult life until I was about 25.

For years, I lived with a sense of isolation. I felt like I couldn’t be myself: like no one really saw me. I convinced myself I was meant to go through life alone. I was stuck in a cycle of addiction, legal trouble, and emotional pain, never really understanding the depression and anxiety that were driving it.

At 15, after being arrested for the second time in connection to alcohol, I reached a breaking point. I didn’t know how to ask for help or admit to myself, or anyone else, that I was struggling. In that darkness, suicide felt like the only option. My father found me in time and saved my life. That moment changed everything. Though I didn’t immediately accept help or heal overnight, surviving gave me a second chance.

Over time, I began to understand the importance of mental health, community, and self-worth. In 2015, I created a community built around music, creativity, and the idea that no one should ever feel alone. It began with custom lapel pins and grew from there. A chance meeting at the airport during a music trip introduced me to Chris, who later became my business partner — but more importantly, my best friend.

Chris and I leaned into our creativity and shared passion, and created Bass Bandit Society: a name we chose because bass music (a type of electronic dance music) was my favorite genre; I had always felt like an outsider, thus the word “bandit,” and the word “society,” because we wanted to establish a place where people could come together with a true feeling of love, acceptance & community. I wanted it to feel like much more than a business: I wanted it to feel like HOME! What began as an idea to make merch inspired by electronic music culture evolved into a true support network, as our followers interacted in the comments, truly bonding and showing up for each other. It was truly the most beautiful thing to see blossom!

Together, we've built not just a brand, but a movement that’s as much about compassion and support as it is about merchandise.

Chris:

When Zac and I created Bass Bandit Society we did so as a need for a safe space on social media in a social media driven world that can often be toxic, exclusive, and lacking empathy. We wanted to build a community and business that is centered around love, inclusion, and acceptance. As such, being able to give back and raise money for worthy causes was important to us.

This year, we created a project from which 100% of the proceeds would go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an organization we feel has truly been a light in the darkness for so many. When it feels like all hope is lost, AFSP has been there to provide a real lifeline to those in the most need.

We decided to center this fundraising project around Linkin Park: a band that was so pivotal in my own journey, and also experienced the loss of its lead singer, Chester Bennington, to suicide.

Zac:

Our people didn’t just donate, they rallied. Through charity raffles and limited-edition jerseys designed by Chris, our community raised $6,295 for AFSP!

Supporting AFSP felt deeply personal. We’ve watched lives change through connection and a love for music, community, merch, and each other. We’ve seen people speak up, open up, and stay alive because they knew someone cared. That’s what AFSP stands for: making sure no one feels like suicide is the only way out. It’s about awareness, education, and most importantly, hope.

We will forever be honored and humbled to have been able to make this contribution to a cause that is so near and dear to our hearts.

I'm now 33. A few weeks ago, I celebrated two years alcohol-free. That journey has been long, painful, and full of lessons — but it’s also been deeply rewarding, and shown me that by sharing my struggles, I can make a difference.

I now speak openly about my experiences because I believe in suicide prevention, and I believe in the power of sharing our stories. Silence isolates us, but vulnerability builds connection, and connection saves lives.

To anyone who feels lost or invisible, I see you! You may not have found your people yet, but they exist. Keep going.

Create your own AFSP fundraising event here.