about us

In Memory of Chuck Reiney

In Memory of Chuck Reiney

Ace the Stigma was founded in 2023 in memory of Chuck Reiney, who died by suicide at the age of 53.  He was a husband, father, sibling, avid tennis player, and former president of the Olde Providence Tennis Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Ace The Stigma will focus on raising money, providing support, and bringing people together to help those suffering from mental illness. Please join us as we ACE THE STIGMA!

who we help & where your donations are spent

stig·​ma (noun)

Suicide Prevention Conversation: What We All Need to Know
  • Bullying, physical violence or harassment

  • Health insurance that doesn't adequately cover your mental illness treatment

  • The belief that you'll never succeed at certain challenges or that you can't improve your situation

Defined by the Mayo Clinic, it is when someone views you in a negative way because you have a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait that's thought to be, or actually is, a disadvantage (a negative stereotype). Unfortunately, negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition are common. 

Stigma can lead to discrimination. Discrimination may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative remark about your mental illness or your treatment. Or it may be unintentional or subtle, such as someone avoiding you because the person assumes you could be unstable, violent, or dangerous due to your mental illness. You may even judge yourself.

Some of the harmful effects of stigma can include:

  • Reluctance to seek help or treatment

  • Lack of understanding by family, friends, co-workers or others

  • Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing

Board of Directors & Extended Leadership Team

Board of Directors

Mike Reiney, President
Billy Sharp, Vice President
Tim Kullick, Secretary
David Stern, Treasurer
Bryant Owens
Rachel Reiney Kenyon
Joe Reiney
Suzanne Johnson
Robert Givone

Extended Leadership Team

Ashley Shaw
Lawrence Fuller
Claes Persson
David Yett