Connection is Prevention

"Connection is the foundation of resilience. At Linked4Life, we work to show that true strength comes from standing together—not only in celebration, but especially when the road ahead feels impossible."  - Cheryl Antoncic, Linked4Life Founder

The LInked4Life movement was founded in 2020 by

Cheryl Antoncic, Co-Owner of Bear's Smokehouse BBQ. 

It's blue carabiner is the movement's visual reminder that we are stronger when we connect with others, and it is ok to ask for help. 

The first major event was held on October 10, 2020 in celebration of World Mental Health Day, Linked4Life worked with many partners including RiseUP for Arts to break a Guinness World Record by linking together 13,808 carabiners at Dunkin' Park in Hartford, CT. Through the sale of carabiners at Bear's Smokehouse BBQ locations, online donations, and the support of community partners we raised approximately $40,000 to benefit the Jordan Porco Foundation, whose mission is to promote mental health, prevent suicide, and create a message of hope.

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We have since evolved to lead various projects that seek to create HOPE  and build resiliency by connecting people to one another and to community resources.  ​

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All Linked4Life projects contain (4) key elements:

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1. They engage community stakeholders.

2. They  engage the community members that will directly benefit from the project.

3. The stakeholders and community members must work together to fundraise for a portion of the project.

4. They must be more than a "one day" project and have a plan for longterm impact and sustainability.