SOMA Living October 2021

ANTI-BULLYING

MALLORY’S ARMY

Mallory’s Army was formed in July of 2017, after the tragic, unforeseen death of Mallory Rose Grossman. At the young age of 12, Mallory took her life after months of bullying, both at school and online. We believe the old mantra of ‘sticks and stones’ must change to illustrate to our community that hurtful words can be just as painful as thrown stones. The mission of Mallory’s Army Foundation is based upon the 4 following pillars: Empower kids to be amazing people, Educate parents, Enrichment programs for schools, and Enhance communities and bring people together. ABOUT MALLORY’S ARMY FOUNDATION One warm summer day, a family friend sat by the creek Mallory played in, trying to grapple with the loss of Mallory. She sat with the now famous blue band on her wrist, and decided to put it around one of the rocks from the stream. She rested the stone on her knee and a quick picture was taken. This picture, now seen by people from all over the world, became a symbol and reflection of Mallory’s Army’s goal: to use these blue bands, emblematic of love and kindness, to cover the ‘stones’ of the world. Words can be just as hurtful as sticks and stones, so we seek to wrap these stones with our blue bands. This is our vision for a better life. TELLING MALLORY’S STORY Many pieces come together to tell Mallory’s story, honor her memory and represent Mallory’s Army Foundation. Butterflies. We released butterflies on the day of Mallory’s funeral and every anniversary since, signifying that without change, there can be no butterflies. Forget-Me-Nots. Our flower and our way of not forgetting how fragile life is. If we forget how Mallory was treated, we can never change our behavior. The color Blue. Blue stands for confidence, loyalty, and optimism. With our Blue Bands, blue also means kindness, love and standing up for what is right. Mallory’s Day. Mallory’s Day is in honor of Mallory’s Birthday and also happens to be Earth Day. April 22nd is our National Remembrance Day. Mallory’s Handwriting. The font we’ve used across our website is actually a lovingly handcrafted recreation of Mallory’s own handwriting, synthesized from her own letters and notes. Where Angels Play & Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds . One of our ambassadors, the Where Angels Play foundation, built an incredible playground in Mallory’s honor at Rip Van Winkle campgrounds, where she spent many summers. The playground there incorporates many elements listed here, the color blue, the butterflies, and more. We’re beyond honored to have such a beautiful landmark dedicated in Mallory’s name. All proceeds are used to raise funds to support the Mallory’s Army Foundation and the Grossman family in their ongoing fight against bullying. Thank you for helping us Blue out Bullying and becoming a soldier of Mallory’s Army.

Don’t Just Teach Kindness, Be Kindness! United Together in the Fight Against Bullying Mission: • Empower kids to be amazing people • Educate parents • Enrichment programs for schools • Enhance communities and bring people together

973-440-8657 info@mallorysarmy.org

OCTOBER 2021 | SOMA LIVING 15

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