DAYTON – CareSource and the University of Dayton will host an exhibition game between the Dayton Flyers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s basketball teams. The game will cap off the fourth year of community engagement events championing adolescent and young adult mental health and suicide prevention. The game will be played on Saturday, October 17 at UD Arena. All net proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Jay’s Light.
Events and programming surrounding the game will be announced in the fall.
“We’re proud to continue this partnership with the University of Dayton for the fourth consecutive year,” said Scott Markovich, CareSource Executive Vice President. “College basketball has a special way of bringing people together, and we’re grateful to use this energetic platform to raise awareness for adolescent mental health, reminding young people and families that they are not alone.”
Dayton Coach Anthony Grant and his wife Chris strive to “bring purpose to the pain” from their family’s tragedy by helping mothers, fathers, teens, and young adults find the resources to help. Their daughter Jay died in 2022 at the age of 20 as a result of mental illness.
“Chris and I continue to be encouraged and energized by the generosity of those who believe in this mission,” said Coach Grant. “CareSource has stood beside us as a cornerstone partner from the beginning, championing mental health initiatives in ways that have truly transformed lives across our community and beyond. The other games, the new programming for young people we bring to UD Arena, we keep finding more ways to make a difference. We are grateful to Notre Dame and CareSource for this year’s programming.”
Notre Dame makes its first appearance in the UD Arena since the 1994-95 season. The Fighting Irish are 28-12 all-time against the Flyers.
“We are honored to partner with Coach Grant, the University of Dayton, and CareSource for this tremendous event,” said Glenn & Stacey Murphy head coach Micah Shrewsberry. “What makes this event special is what it represents beyond the game itself. Mental health touches every team, every locker room, every campus, and every community. We must continue to create conversations, raise awareness, and improve access to the resources people need. College basketball gives us a platform to impact people beyond wins and losses, and we’re proud to be a part of something that can make a difference.”
Jay’s Light, a foundation that honors Jayda Grant and will be used to champion adolescent and young adult mental health and suicide prevention. The fund will support local community organizations and initiatives that align with the mission of supporting adolescent and young adult mental health.
Click here to learn more about and support the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.
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