Washington State University and Hilinski’s Hope Foundation support mental health of student-athletes

The Washington State University community is known for being tight-knit and very supportive of their sports teams. After the 2018 death by suicide of Tyler Hilinski, who played quarterback at WSU, the Cougs have rallied in support of the Hilinski’s Hope Foundation.

Tyler Hilinski’s parents started Hilinski’s Hope (stylized as “H3H”) with a mission to educate, advocate, and remove the stigma associated with mental illness for student-athletes. The foundation funds programs that provide student-athletes tools and resources to support their mental health and wellness.

Read related WIBM post: 4 out of 5 youth suicides in Washington state are males

Washington State Cougar fans at a football game holding up towels to honor Tyler Hilinski, who wore number 3
WSU Cougars fans hold up towels honoring Tyler Hilinski

People from all corners of Washington have stepped up to support Hilinski’s Hope. “We have boxes and boxes of letters, notes, and cards from the PNW full of support and love,” says Kym Hilinski, Tyler’s mom. The University of Washington community has contributed significantly. Former UW football coach Chris Petersen at one point donated $10,000.

Tyler wore number 3 on his jersey, so donations to H3H often come in amounts containing 3s, like $3, $33, and $333. “It makes me smile, knowing people are remembering Tyler,” Kym says. Donations arrive in the greatest numbers on significant days like Tyler’s birthday and the anniversary of his passing.

Washington governor Jay Inslee holds a red towel with Tyler's number 3 on it and stands next to Tyler's aunt Christine Hilinksi Lomardi
Governor Jay Inslee with Christine Hilinski Lombardi, Tyler’s aunt

Washington businesses support Hilinski’s Hope

  • Christine Smithberg is a WSU alum whose candle company, The Good Eye Co., makes Cheesy Cougar Candles. Thirty-three percent of the profits go to Hilinksi’s Hope. Smithberg has donated over $25,000 to date.
  • The three vendors that produce the clothing in Hilinski’s Hope’s online store are in Washington state: College Hill Threads, SunWest Sports Wear, and The Bookie, which is on WSU’s campus. Each one donates a portion of their sales.
  • Glassybaby raised funds for H3H via a limited run of custom design votives. On a separate occasion, the Glassybaby Foundation contributed a $1,500 grant.
Three limited edition Hilinski's Hope votives by Glassybaby
Limited edition Hilinski’s Hope votives by Glassybaby
  • Several Seattle-area bars and restaurants have hosted fundraisers, including Flatstick Pub, Marco Polo Bar & Grill, and Ozzie’s dive bar.
  • Georgetown Brewing and Seattle sports radio personality Ian Furness teamed up to make a special batch of beer benefitting Hilinski’s Hope.

Support from pro sports teams and athletes

  • NFL quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe, Ryan Leaf, and Gardner MInshew have supported H3H in various ways.
  • A Seahawks fan club in the United Kingdom did a fundraiser benefitting Hilinski’s Hope and made H3H an honorary member of their club.
  • Hilinski’s Hope has thrown out the ceremonial first pitch at Everett Aquasox and Seattle Mariners games.
Hilinski’s Hope threw out the first pitch at a Seattle Mariners game

Special scholarship at WSU

Hilinski’s Hope teamed up with a student group at Washington State University to create the Hilinski’s Hope/LIV3 LOV3 LIF3 Endowed Scholarship. It supports student-athletes, with preference given to members of the football team.

WSU fraternities and sororities have conducted fundraisers for H3H, and WSU Sports Management students created the 3 FOR 3 Burpee Challenge to raise funds and awareness.

“The support and love from the Cougs never stops,” Kym Hilinski says. “Their support financially and even more-so emotionally keeps us standing up and moving forward.”

KOMO 4 News documentary about Tyler Hilinski

Eric Johnson of Seattle’s KOMO 4 News made a documentary called The Secret Sadness of Tyler Hilinski. Johnson’s narration during the film is moving. “As a quarterback at Upland High School, [Tyler] lit up the Friday night skies with leather rockets launched from a Howitzer of an arm,” says Johnson. Regarding Tyler’s smile, “It lit up rooms, and hearts. It dazzled, disarmed, and at some point — somewhere along the way — it became a sparkling, radiant, brilliant…disguise.”

Support the Hilinski’s Hope Foundation

Visit Hilinski’sHope.org to learn more about the non-profit foundation.

Hilinksi’s Hope on social media
Instagram: @hilinskishope
Twitter: @hilinskishope
Facebook: @HilinskisHope

Notice: If you need help, or if you’re worried about a friend or loved one, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.