​Suicide is not chosen.  It happens when the pain exceeds the ability to cope.

Bob Whelan

Marilyn Cameron

Bill Wheeler

OUr board

The Jacob Wheeler Foundation beginnings have been made possible through the gifts of "everlasting friendships".  Love and memories shared from generations past and extending to generations forward.  We are forever grateful for family and friends much needed in this effort.

The Jacob Wheeler Foundation provides memorial scholarships and support to the community through activities that promote suicide awareness and prevention and offer survivor support.

Our Mission

What's Happening

our beginnings

Work with Us to Make a Difference

The Jacob Wheeler Foundation was founded by Bill, Lisa and Abigail Wheeler in memory of their son and brother, Jacob Wheeler.  Jacob tragically died on January 1, 2014 at the age of 15.  He was active in soccer and swimming earning Academic All-State recognition in 2014 for both sports.  He was a sensitive and compassionate person who tried to remain out of the limelight.  

Awareness

Support

Scholarship

Founded in memory of Jacob Wheeler

past events

• Congrats to our scholarship recipients for 2017.  They are
  
  • Zach Archibald - $1,000
  • Abigail Dodge - $1,000
  • Brianna Cunneen - $500
  • Katelyn Reichle - $500
• Butte Survivors of Suicide Loss Grief Support Group - meets on the 2nd Thursday of each Month at Holy Spirit Parish in Butte.  It is located at 4201 Continental Dr., Butte, MT  59701 (house on church property).  The meeting time is 7 PM.  For information, call or text 490-1536.

The Jacob Wheeler Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.  

Ride to hope and remember ~ September 10, 2015

The "Ride to Hope and Remember" was a huge success to bring an awareness to the issues surrounding depression and suicide in our state.  Bill and his brother Brad from Seattle, Washington left Butte at 5 am and arrived in Helena just 4 1/2 hours later.  The return ride to Butte was grueling but successful.  In all, Bill and Brad cycled 135 miles in 11 1/2 hours with 9 hours in the saddle.  They saw many well-wishers and were stopped by the news media in Helena and Jefferson City on the return ride to Butte.  Several have expressed interest in a 2nd annual ride where they could join the brothers for the event.

​KXLF News story on Ride

ABC FOX Montana News story on Ride

Montana Standard Article on Ride

Paper lantern ceremony january 1​, 2016

Ride to Hope and remember 2016​ 

On September 10, 2016, my brother Brad and I again made the 135 mile trek from my hometown in Butte, to Helena, and back.  After an early 5 am start we heard an elk bugle just off I-15 heading up Woodville Hill into Elk Park.  That was pretty spectacular.  In all the event was 13 1/2 hours door to door with 10 1/2 hours in the saddle.  We were both doing pretty well until we came down the Boulder Hill on the way back to Butte and faced major gusts for the remaining 35 miles into Butte.  Along with a 7300 ft elevation gain, the headwinds proved to be a formidable challenge.  We had many well wishers and are very thankful for the support during the ride!

Montana Standard Article

ABC Fox News