New Country 107.9 WYYD, an iHeartMedia station, is sponsoring “High Fives for Suicide Prevention” for the second year in a row with program director and on-air talent Scott Stevens.He will be at the 32nd annual Salem Fair at the Salem Civic Center for 24 hours straight attempting to break the world record for high fives by one person.The current record is 14,607 set in September 2012. Scott’s goal is 15,000.His record breaking attempt will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 5th, and end at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 6th at 8:00 p.m.
Volunteers from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will also be on site during the 24-hour period to provide information on how people can help end suicide.Established in 1987, AFSP is a voluntary health organization that raises awareness, funds scientific research and provides resources and aid for those affected by suicide.
At last year’s event, members from AFSP were able to speak with hundreds of people who took their materials about suicide prevention, learned how to reach out for help, or to reach out to help someone who might be considering taking their own life.
The Salem Red Sox will be participating this year during their July 6th game against the Down East Wood Ducks, an affiliate of the Texas Rangers.The Red Sox players will give Scott a high five prior to the first pitch at 3:05 p.m. Scott will then walk around the stadium and high five fans attending the game.
This year’s Salem Fair is July 3-14. A regionally based agricultural fair in the western part of the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is the largest fair in the state and has been recognized as one of the top 100 fairs and expositions in the country. It’s the world’s largest free gate admission fair and parking is free. Fair officials expect at least 350,000 to attend.
iHeartMedia, America’s largest radio conglomerate with more than 850 stations, is a leading media outlet in the Roanoke-Lynchburg market. Its diverse content is available across multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; online via its branded digital site; mobile; and social, with nationwide listening through iHeartRadio, the all-in-one streaming music and live radio service, with its more than a billion downloads and 100 million registered users.