Rachel Strickland
Raffle Director
What is the Raffle Director?
The Raffle Director plans, manages, and executes all fundraising raffles for the Ride Out of the Darkness® rally and related chapter events. This role combines creativity with strict financial and legal integrity—ensuring all raffles are engaging, transparent, compliant, and professionally executed. Raffles are more than a fundraiser. They are a bridge between generosity and impact, transforming excitement and participation into direct support for healing resources, awareness efforts, and community programs.
Rachael Strickland is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, with a deep commitment to making a positive impact in her community. Married to her husband, Charlie, for 27 years, Rachael is a proud mother of two wonderful children, Tristan and Kaiya. As a family, they are united by a shared sense of love and support for one another, and this family bond has been at the heart of their advocacy work.
In 2019, Rachael’s life was profoundly changed when she witnessed her best friend’s family suffer the devastating loss of a loved one to suicide. This experience ignited her determination to raise awareness and support those affected by suicide and mental illness. In the same year, Rachael participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Walk, and in 2021, she joined the inaugural Ride Out of the Darkness®—an event dedicated to bringing together those impacted by suicide and mental health challenges.
In response to this tragedy and inspired by the desire to make a lasting difference, Rachael joined the family as they founded the Love Surrounds You®. The foundation works in tandem with the Ride Out of the Darkness® Ride and Rally, aiming to create a compassionate, supportive community for those affected by suicide and mental illness. Through the foundation, Rachael is committed to spreading awareness, offering resources, and fostering a sense of connection and hope.
Since the foundation’s inception, Rachael has taken on leadership roles, including serving as Team Lead for raffles and, most recently, as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Ride Out of the Darkness® event. Her work has been instrumental in creating opportunities for individuals and families to come together, share their stories, and provide support to one another.
Rachael’s passion for mental health advocacy continues to drive her as she works to ensure that love and support surround those who are struggling. Through the Love Surrounds You®, Rachael strives to provide a safe space for healing, connection, and hope, ensuring that no one has to face their challenges alone.
What other roles fall under the Raffle Director? We need lots of help and volunteers for the rally!
Donation Seeker Coordinator
Love Surrounds You® Booth Coordinator
50/50 Raffle Coordinator – Starting Location
50/50 Raffle Coordinator – Rally Site
T-Shirt Sales Booth Coordinator (collaborative role)