A Summit County mother who lost her son to suicide is bringing her nonprofit's biggest event to the final day of the Summit County Fair, adding a first-ever community bike ride alongside the annual 5K.
Live for Your Luke, legally named the Lucas Terrill Kitchen Foundation, will hold its Run/Ride 4 Your Luke on Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Summit County Fairgrounds in Coalville. The 5K run/walk starts at 8 a.m., giving participants time to stay for the fair's festivities and parade later that morning.
Founder Jill Brown started the nonprofit after losing her son, Luke Kitchen, to suicide. The organization partners with local schools, the Summit County Health Department, and other community groups to promote resources including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the SafeUT app. All funds raised go back into suicide prevention education and mental health outreach in Summit County schools and neighborhoods.
The event typically takes place in September, but this year the Summit County Fair invited Live for Your Luke to move it to August so runners and riders could fold the race into a full day at the fair. The inaugural bike ride is a new addition for 2026.
"One person can change a life by listening, paying attention, being there," Nicole Simister, a board member with Live for Your Luke, told TownLift. "Every dollar goes right back into prevention here at home."
The data backs that up. According to the Summit County Health Department's 2025 SHARP survey, students who seriously considered suicide decreased by 36% compared to 2023, suicide planning dropped 34%, and reported attempts declined 32%. The department noted that even lower percentages still represent real youth who need support.
Participants who cannot attend in person can register for a virtual option. Registration and donations are available at live4yourluke.com.
The Summit County Fair runs through Saturday, Aug. 8, with free admission. A free hourly shuttle connects Kimball Junction to the fairgrounds in Coalville.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
