Mission

The David Sliff Memorial Foundation’s mission is to provide scholarships to students so they may pursue their academic goals. There are students who are without family support and the financial resources needed to attend a college or university. Many have to choose between paying for books, tuition and fees versus paying for food and rent and end up living in their cars on or near campus. Some colleges and universities are helping with student organized and operated food pantries, organic gardens and temporary housing while attending school.

Santa Monica College is one of these colleges. David attended Santa Monica College as a physics major. His education was extremely important to him. This foundation will honor David’s memory by supporting eligible students with academic scholarships to help them reach their goals.

This foundation also supports mental health organizations. One of these organizations is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which is the largest private funder of suicide prevention research. AFSP provides funding for neurobiological, psychosocial and genetic research in order to help develop effective treatments for depression and other forms of mental illness that can lead to suicide. Other organizations that provide “boots on the ground” support for people who are struggling with mental health issues are The Trevor Project, specifically dedicated to our LBGTQ individuals, and The Jimmy Miller Foundation.

Goals:

the david sliff memorial foundation will support the following organizations that align with its mission:

-Santa Monica COllege for scholarships to be awarded to students in need who are selected by the SMC Foundation Scholarship committee

-the American foundation for suicide prevention

-The Trevor Project

-tHE jIMMY MILLER FOUNDATION

-Other mental health organizations that align with the mission as donations allow

Achievements:

Since its inception in February 2019, The David Sliff Memorial Foundation has awarded the following as of 12/31/2022:

-$37,840 to Santa Monica College for scholarships ($21,840), plus additional support for books, tuition, housing and food insecurity ($16,000)

-$12,950 direct donations to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention & raised over $30,000 in indirect donations through fundraising for AFSP’s annual fundraising walks

-$6,000 to The Trevor Project

-$1,040 to The Jimmy Miller Foundation. This mental health organization introduces high-risk individuals to surfing and ocean therapy.

History

David Sliff was 23 when he died by suicide December 31, 2017 at his home in Hermosa Beach. David was an extraordinary young man who was gifted in writing and playing music, anything mathematical and understood people with a depth and sensitivity that most of us never achieve in a lifetime.  He tried to fit into a world which didn't always welcome the sensitive souls with the same acceptance and kindness he showed others.  David was studying to become a physicist. He wanted to help make the world a better place.

As David grew from teens to early adulthood, he became aware that he suffered from a severe clinical depression. Early on, David was confused as to why he felt the way he did. He told me one day that he didn’t understand why he felt so sad; that he was never abused, he grew up in a wealthy beachside community and had every opportunity he needed to succeed. In David’s mind there was no reason for his depression. As time progressed, so did his depression which started him on an aggressive path to get help. David wanted to live and worked with a psychiatrist, researched antidepressant medications, applied to numerous clinical trials, studied the neurobiophysics of the brain, underwent brain studies, adhered to a strict diet and purchased expensive supplements that promised to increase his brain wellness. David knew he had a brain abnormality and was determined to find a medication to stabilize himself and alleviate the emotional and physical pain that his depression caused.  David couldn't find effective treatments and eventually lost his battle.  

Even as his mother, who was acutely aware of his depression and as an ICU nurse who has cared many times for patient survivors of suicide and their families, none of that prepared me for the most devastating event of my life. My son dying by suicide. In the midst of such tragic loss and devastation, we ask ourselves, “How do we go on?” “Will we survive, get out of bed, laugh or love again?” “How do we function and interact with others?” From these emotions, I have learned that even though not everyone can fully appreciate the impact of such a loss, there is still much love and caring that others give so abundantly. And for that, I am grateful.

Although David is no longer here to continue his journey of life and the development of his own story, his family and friends now have the opportunity to continue living their lives in a way that honors David’s kindness towards others and that is why The David Sliff Memorial Foundation was created.  Moving forward, we would like our message to encourage others on how loss can lead to growth and survival. 

Thank you,

Kathy Welch

President/Director of the David Sliff Memorial Foundation and forever David’s Mom

David was a talented photographer and posted much of his work on Flicker.com. Below are some original photos he took when he was 14-17 years old. All photos on this foundation’s site were taken by David with the exception of the ones he is in.