Our Founding

Founded in remembrance of Linda Ornelas.

Twenty-one years ago, on July 8, 2004, my mother died by suicide in Los Angeles after a long battle with bipolar disorder. In 2020, at 17 years old, I founded the July 8th Project in a Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot in Clemson, SC, to honor her memory through service, raise mental health awareness, and spark conversation around suicide.

Since then, what began as a personal tribute has grown into a movement: raising over $8,000 for suicide prevention, delivering 2,500+ Christmas gifts to kids in need, serving 1,700+ meals, logging 1,000+ volunteer hours, and giving back across 5 states and 17 cities.

What was once a day of pain has become a day of purpose — a joyful, healing tradition for many.