A life well lived is something to be celebrated. On Thursday, May 8th, 2025, Richmond-based nonprofit Full Circle Grief Center will host its Annual “Living Your Dash” Luncheon, a fundraiser that honors those who are making a difference in the world. Inspired by Linda Ellis’s poem, “The Dash,” this event is a nod to how we spend the time in-between our birthday and the last day of our lives.
Changemakers will be highlighted including this year’s inspirational speaker and a select few community members who will each receive a “Living Your Dash” Award. As a part of this event, over two-hundred guests in attendance will help fulfill the organization’s mission to provide comprehensive, professional bereavement support in Virginia.
Reflecting on 2024’s event, one guest said, “Full Circle has become a pillar of strength in the Richmond community for those who have experienced grief & loss.” Another said, “This event is a good reminder to live your life to the fullest.”
Since the “Living Your Dash” Luncheon began in 2015, over 1,500 people have participated, generating approximately $360,000 in direct support of Full Circle’s work and mission. This year, the organization’s goal is to raise $65,600 to help ensure their grief support programs remain free of charge for participants. This year’s inspirational speaker will be Carson Clough, a Paralympic Triathlete who won the silver medal in the men’s PTS4 triathlon at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris; NBC12 News Anchor Macy Moors will be this year’s Emcee. During the event, “Living Your Dash” Awards will be given to Cheryl Tankersley of Our Laughter in the Rain, Lawrence Robinson of F.A.C.T.S. RVA, Finis Cook of MEGA Mentors, and Lois Moore & Tricia Ennis of From the Heart.
Since Full Circle Grief Center was founded in 2008, the organization has served over 22,500 community members, offering a range of programs at no cost to clients. Charitable programs include Hands on Healing family groups, overdose and substance use-related loss groups, perinatal loss groups, and suicide loss groups at the Center. In addition, Full Circle offers outreach groups in local schools and community organizations as well as a homicide loss group in partnership with VA Victim Assistance Network.
Full Circle’s Individual Counseling Practice provides grief therapy for those grieving the death of a loved one, through insurance as well as a reduced rate. Specialty areas include grief and loss, traumatic loss (such as homicide, suicide, traumatic accident), and anticipatory grief. Notably, all of Full Circle’s programs are facilitated by professional mental health clinicians. Full Circle has been featured by media outlets including WRVA, NBC12, CBS6, Free Press, and Style Weekly, and is one of the most comprehensive local resources for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.
For event details and to register for “Living Your Dash,” please visit https://fullcirclegc.org/living-your-dash/.
