MUSCLE SHOALS-Diamond Eggleston, founder of SHINE (Sharing Hope Inspiration Now Everywhere), donated $3,050 to Crisis Center Inc. as part of her ongoing mission to support youth mental health awareness and suicide prevention across Alabama. Diamond is Miss Trojan Beauty 2025 and dance team captain at Muscle Shoals High School. She will represent the Shoals area this July in the Miss Alabama Teen Volunteer Pageant.
Diamond raised the funds through her Annual Singing River 5K & 1-Mile Run, an event held each year at McFarland Park in Florence, Alabama. The community event brings together runners, walkers, families, and local leaders for a day of connection, physical activity, and purpose. Proceeds benefit the Crisis Center’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—a free, confidential 24/7 support service for individuals in emotional distress or experiencing a mental health crisis.
With this latest donation, Diamond has now raised more than $7,900 to support nonprofit organizations, back-to-school drives, and Christmas outreach efforts. Of that amount, $5,100 has been donated directly to Crisis Center Inc. She is now over halfway to her personal goal of raising $10,000 for the 988 Lifeline—a goal she set in 2022 after touring the Crisis Center and witnessing its life-saving work firsthand.
“From the moment I visited the Crisis Center, I knew I wanted to help,” Diamond said. “Raising money for the 988 Lifeline is my way of making sure someone is always there when people call.”
SHINE: Inspiring Kids and Youth Mental Health
Through her organization SHINE, Diamond works to empower and uplift children and teens facing mental health challenges. SHINE’s mission is to educate, advocate, and fundraise for youth mental health support and suicide prevention.
As part of her outreach efforts, Diamond shares her SHINE Youth Mental Health Guide during school visits and speaking engagements. The guide provides practical tips for managing mental health, including exercising, practicing gratitude, talking to trusted adults, and taking breaks from social media.
Diamond also founded and hosts Alabama Youth Mental Health Awareness Day, held annually on the first Wednesday in May. Now in its third year, the event has received official proclamations from Governor Kay Ivey, Mayor Mike Lockhart (Muscle Shoals), Mayor Andy Betterton (Florence), and Mayor Steve Foster (Tuscumbia).
In addition to education and advocacy, Diamond continues to fundraise for mental health causes through her annual 5K/1-Mile Run and Car Show—uniting the community around a shared mission of hope and support for young people’s mental health.
“My goal is to create a movement where kids and teens feel heard, valued, and never alone across Alabama,” she added.
Community Support and Recognition
Crisis Center Inc. leadership applauds Diamond’s commitment and impact.
“Young leaders like Diamond are making a real difference,” said Anne Sullivan, Executive Director of Crisis Center Inc. in Birmingham. “Her dedication to mental health awareness and suicide prevention is both inspiring and impactful. Just having someone talk about mental health openly changes lives.”
Diamond has received several community service awards for volunteering over 300 hours since launching her service initiative, S.H.I.N.E., in 2021.
Save the Date: 2025 Singing River 5K & 1-Mile Run
Diamond is excited to announce that registration is now open for her signature event, taking place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at McFarland Park in Florence, AL—rain or shine. This year’s main event sponsor is Patterson, Prince, and Associates, P.C.
The race has become a beloved local tradition, drawing hundreds of participants from across the South for a fun-filled day of community, fitness, and support for mental health and suicide prevention.
Event Schedule – Saturday, July 12, 2025
McFarland Park, Pavilion #1
- 7:45 AM – On-site Registration Opens
- 8:30 AM – 5K Run/Walk Start
- 9:30 AM – 1-Mile Run/Walk Start
- 10:00 AM – Car Show and Live Music Begin
The 5K will be officially timed by River City Runners.
Media Release/Casey Eggleston
