The Cowboy Cole Memorial Foundation was formed in response to the tragic loss of Cole Allen on October 5, 2021.  The foundation was established to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The foundation has united friends and community members in their mission to ensure that Cole's story is shared to prevent others from enduring the same pain.

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The foundation has made significant strides in raising awareness about suicide prevention, including partnering with local suicide prevention programs and organizing events to facilitate discussions about this vital topic. Their story exemplifies the power of unity and compassion in making a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health challenges.

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Cole's sister, a student at the local high school, played a crucial role in this movement by advocating for the sharing of Cole's story. Recognizing the importance of raising awareness about suicide, Cole's family allowed the minister to recount Cole's story at his service. The minister's poignant message conveyed that the world is not better off without any individual, reinforcing the significance of every life.

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Cole's sister was invited to participate in the filming of two Safe 2 Tell public service announcements, which were then shared on the Cowboy Cole Facebook page to reach a wider audience. Through their efforts in suicide awareness, the Cowboy Cole Memorial Foundation connected with Emma Benoit, the creator of the powerful documentary "My Ascension." This connection led to the foundation arranging multiple community viewings of the documentary in various schools, and at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. Recognizing the importance of engaging the youth, the foundation established a scholarship with an application process designed to explore ideas to prevent suicide and to help students in college recognize who their support system was and what their backup plan might be if it turns out their original life plans don’t work out. During this time, the foundation also purchased a community license to screen "My Ascension," ensuring that its important message reached a broader audience in our community.

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The impact of their efforts continued to grow, with a PBS special called "A Cowboy State of Mind: Confronting our Mental Health Crisis" featuring an episode where the Allens shared Cole’s story in episode two.  The Cowboy Cole Memorial Fund garnered support from prominent figures who played a pivotal role in furthering their mission. Cheyenne Frontier Days collaborated with Garth Brooks to record a message for their rodeo, emphasizing the impact of “Being a Pickup Man to those that need a hand and to reaching out if you need the hand.” Various products, such as Montana Silversmith hat feathers and necklaces engraved with Pickup Man, were also created with proceeds benefiting organizations that support suicide prevention.  The Cheyenne Frontier Days Foundation spread the Pickup Man Movement to businesses in our community and across our state. The Pickup Man movement and Yellow Hat Feather were recognized nationwide, with their work featured in several newspapers and social media posts from notable organizations such as the American Hat Company and Bronc Riding Nation. Collaborations with other rodeos propelled their message and impact even further.

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From the beginning, local suicide prevention programs have been an integral part of the Cowboy Cole Memorial Foundation's journey. They have partnered in various events, such as sponsoring a team for the local Dodge Ball Tournament, which supports the Laramie County Grief Support and Loss Team. Cowboy Cole also received support from the local 4H community and Laramie County, with Molly's friend Colby Avery generously donating all the proceeds from a livestock sale swine to Cole's Memorial fund.

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Although the Cowboy Cole Memorial Fund has achieved remarkable success, their work is ongoing. They continue to develop new projects, including an annual team roping jackpot in Yuma, Arizona to raise funds for scholarships. They also plan to partner with local organizations to address the educational and awareness needs of the community. Moreover, they are willing to organize events in collaboration with community organizations to show "My Ascension" and facilitate discussions about this vital topic.

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Cowboy Cole has worked with Jae Foundation throughout the last year and acted as an ambassador to their program.   "With every pair of boots, comes a conversation that would have never happened, a Boot Check moment that we all need." The Cowboy Cole Memorial Foundation has funded Boots for Seniors through the Jae Foundation for all the Seniors in Laramie County School District #2.  The foundation hopes to support seniors in high school, college rodeo athletes, and those impacted by suicide by helping to coordinate more events with the Jae Foundation.

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Throughout their journey, the Cowboy Cole Memorial Foundation has learned invaluable lessons. They emphasize the importance of open conversations about suicide, encouraging people not to be afraid or ashamed to discuss it as these conversations can save lives. Validating others' feelings during difficult times, without trying to fix their pain, is paramount. They believe that grief should be acknowledged and openly discussed, recognizing that each person experiences it differently.

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By initiating conversations about mental health and suicide prevention, our community members can support one another and work to prevent future tragedies. There is power in unity, our compassion is making a difference in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health challenges.