David Spade Donated $100,000 To Mental Health Organization in Honor of Kate Spade

The world was shocked to learn of designer Kate Spade’s untimely death by suicide last week. In the wake of this tragedy, those closest to Spade have spoken out about their grief and sadness, including her husband Andy Spade and brother-in-law David Spade.

Now David Spade has chosen to honor the late designer with a $100,000 donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The organization is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the nation and aims to raise awareness about mental health, as well as provide support and education for those suffering from mental illness.

Spade Encourages Other To ‘Reach Out For Support’

“More people suffer from mental health issues than we may realize but no one should ever feel ashamed to reach out for support,” Spade told People. “If you or anyone you know is in need of help or guidance please contact the national suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255 or go to nami.org to learn more and help those who may be in need.”

The actor and comedian also shared this sweet photo of his sister-in-law at his book signing on Twitter, urging his followers to “try to hang on.”

Spade shared his thoughts and memories throughout the days following his sister-in-law’s death. A grainy photo he posted on Instagram captured a favorite moment between the pair.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjqb9HCBHTb/?utm_source=ig_embed

“Fuzzy picture but I love it,” Spade wrote late that night in an Instagram post, sharing a picture of him and the late designer. “Kate and I during Christmas family photos. We had so much fun that day. She was so sharp and quick on her feet. She could make me laugh so hard. I still can’t believe it.”

RELATED: Many celebrities and fans are mourning Kate Spade. The luxury fashion company Coach announced it was purchasing the company for $2.4 billion last year. They paid tribute to the namesake designer upon the news of her death:

Husband’s Heartfelt Tribute To Kate Spade

As both the public and the designer’s own friends and family mourn her death, many people have pointed to Kate Spade as an example of someone who may have appeared happy but was suffering beneath a facade.

Both Kate’s husband, Andy, and her sister, Reta Saffo, confirmed that the fashion icon had been suffering from depression and anxiety in the years prior to her death

Andy Spade wrote a beautiful tribute to his wife in The New York Times:

“Kate was the most beautiful woman in the world,” he wrote. “She was the kindest person I’ve ever known and my best friend for 35 years.

He wrote that he and his daughter are “heartbroken” and shared that “Kate suffered from depression and anxiety for many years.”

He shared that she was “actively seeking help” for her disease and that her death came as a shock — as she had “sounded happy” the night before.

“There was no indication and no warning that she would do this,” he wrote. “It was a complete shock. And it clearly wasn’t her. There were personal demons she was battling.”

RELATED: Anthony Bourdain Has Died At The Age Of 61

Another Celebrity Suicide In The Same Week

Unfortunately, Kate Spade wasn’t the only celebrity death the world mourned that week.

Just three days after Spade’s death, the world was shocked once again to learn that another prominent person in the public eye, celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, had also taken his own life, furthering the conversation about the need for greater awareness of mental health issues.

Kudos to David Spade for her generous donation to such an important cause.