Valley Business FRONT, Issue 147, December 2020

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Joint effort to raise funds for new non-profit >

as well). She recalls Tudor’s cash register breaking down and Matt lending his backup register in the wee hours of the morning. “He was competition but at the same time we were all in it together. We were such great friends.” Three local businesses – Texas Tavern, Black Bullington says Louis Tudor was “full of Dog Salvage and Simply Framing by Kristi personality. To see him decline in mental health – joined forces to raise more than $5000 for like that it’s scary – he was just like anyone of Tudor House, a new non-profit formed after the suicide of Louis Tudor. Tudor House focuses us.” The pandemic’s impact was a factor says on suicide prevention, education and support. Bullington, something his family members Three vintage Texas Tavern were auctioned off had indicated as well after Tudor’s suicide. on eBay to support that effort. Louis Tudor was Kathleen Thorell, interim director of Tudor the longtime owner of Tudor’s Biscuit World House said after receiving the 5K check in and a popular swim coach before taking his November that the total raised to date was own life this past summer. Matt Bullington owns Texas Tavern: “one [sign] was on the front $66,000. “Which is fabulous, I’m kind of of the building for years; we gave to our friends overwhelmed with how far we’ve come since at Black Dog Salvage to put the finishing touch July. But we also realize that it’s probably on. That’s a signature piece.” Black Dog added just the tip of the iceberg that we need to make our mission happen.” The initial goal a custom dark frame fashioned from barn is to renovate the old Tudor's Biscuit World wood. in downtown Roanoke, for use as a suicide Mike Whiteside from Black Dog Salvage got to prevention resource center and meeting place. know Louis Tudor when he installed a balcony rail at the former Biscuit World location in downtown Roanoke. “He was just a staple in this area, people loved him. I’m really proud to be part of this fundraiser. Mental illness is a big thing these days – it always has been. Bringing awareness to it and letting people talk about it, and understand it, that’s very important.” Molly Bullington is the marketing director for husband Matt Bullington’s tavern and says Louis Tudor was her swim coach (for their kids

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