A New York teen launches a nonprofit for suicide prevention through basketball tournaments: "Driven to make a difference"

This narrative explores the topic of suicide. In case you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, kindly contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

A teenager from Long Island, New York, has transformed his pastime into a more dedicated endeavor to benefit others.

At 14 years old, Harold Teller founded a nonprofit organization called Harold's Hoops for Hope, which aims to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention through basketball tournaments.

Teller, an incoming freshman at Commack High School, shared with Planet Chronicle Digital in an on-camera interview how his organization came to be. (Watch the video at the top of this article.)

After the pandemic, the teen observed the mental effects it had on kids his age.

"He stated that he knew many individuals who grappled with mental health issues and that he aimed to assist them to the greatest extent possible."

Teller played a basketball game called "HORSE" through video calls with friends to connect with them and make them feel better during the pandemic.

He said that playing the game, even virtually, improved everyone's mood.

"It's felt great to know that I'm making a difference and helping other people with whatever they're struggling with."

Teller felt driven to transform his hobby into a charitable endeavor after writing an essay about community service in school.

In March 2023, the teen organized his first 3-on-3 basketball tournament after securing sponsors through door-to-door canvassing.

The basketball tournament had 150 participants, and the entry fees were donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), a New York-based organization with chapters across the US.

"We donated all the money we raised to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention," he said, "It was a lot of fun."

In 2024, Teller organized his second annual Harold's Hoops for Hope tournament, raising a total of $13,000 for AFSP.

He shared with Planet Chronicle Digital that it felt great to know he was making a difference and helping others with their struggles.

"I hope we can obtain as many sponsors and donations as possible to continue helping people and raising awareness," the teen stated.

Daria Teller, the mother of Teller, expressed her pride in her son's initiative to Planet Chronicle Digital in an interview.

"Every time he talks, I could cry because it's all him," she said. "It's everything that he envisions … It's amazing."

She added, 'He's an honor roll student, and he plays travel basketball, and he finds time for this somehow. So, I'm extremely proud.'

Harold "Rocky" Teller, the father of the teller, stated that he is also "truly proud" of his son.

"He has embraced a significant cause that resonates deeply with him, resulting in his remarkable growth and increased confidence."

Rocky Teller stated that the family plans to establish a community to assist individuals battling mental illness.

The March tournament saw the presence of AFSP representatives, who were directly involved with Teller's fundraising and events.

Harold Teller stated that bracelets were distributed to inform individuals that they could text or call 988 if they ever felt sad or needed to speak with someone.

The third annual Harold's Hoops for Hope tournament will occur on March 22, 2025, and other events are planned for the year.

""The main event is expected to be larger than ever, as we're hosting an auction, inviting food trucks, and arranging for athletes to sign autographs and take pictures," Harold Teller stated."

According to a press release from the foundation, Ann Morrison-Pacella, AFSP's executive director for the Long Island chapter, personally congratulated Harold Teller on his efforts.

She conveyed to Teller, as reported by Patch.com, that she believed it was crucial for him to comprehend the impact of his actions.

"I am convinced that your generation will break down the stigmas surrounding seeking assistance and discussing mental health."

"It's truly making a difference to have a young person like you raise awareness in this way."

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the AFSP for additional comment.