Our Story
A message from our founder:
Our organization exists to honor the life of our dear friend, Carter Reidelbach, who tragically took his own life at the age of 20 on December 20, 2022.
The name SLG comes from a fun, fictitious “company” Carter created called Sigma Lifter Gaming, a playful rival to our friend group’s joke company, “Prominence Games.” Carter was one of the most incredible people I’ve ever known.
We met in 6th grade and quickly became inseparable. His boundless kindness, infectious energy, passion for his interests, and genuine care for those around him made him impossible not to love. Our friendship deepened through our shared obsession with the Pokémon Trading Card Game. I was a casual player with no clue what I was doing; Carter, already experienced in the competitive scene, patiently guided me and helped turn it into one of the most meaningful hobbies of our lives. Over time, we felt less like friends and more like family. He stood by me through everything, and I couldn’t have asked for a better companion.
Many of SLG’s board members also had the privilege of growing close to Carter during those years. As we got older, his passions expanded to competitive Super Smash Bros, physical fitness, music, and connecting with new people. He truly was a jack-of-all-trades, and through these pursuits, he built an even wider circle of friends who adored him.
Despite being so deeply loved and supported, Carter battled inner demons that ultimately became overwhelming. His loss devastated me and countless others—it remains the single most impactful moment of my life. I don’t think he ever fully realized how profoundly he touched the world.
SLG's Beginnings
In the wake of Carter’s passing, we organized our first SLG Open event in January 2023 as a memorial gathering. It brought together those closest to him to celebrate the hobbies he loved most—Pokémon TCG and Smash. The turnout was overwhelming, and it became clear that Carter’s impact would never fade.
We decided to make the SLG Open an annual tradition to keep his spirit alive.
As time passed, our community—and communities worldwide—continued to lose people to suicide. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with nearly 50,000 Americans dying by suicide each year. Having been personally affected by multiple losses to suicide, we knew we had to become part of the solution.
Our Growth and Impact
For our 3rd annual SLG Open in January 2025, we partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to raise funds for their vital work in research, education, and advocacy. We introduced raffle ticket sales to support suicide prevention efforts nationwide, raising over $900 that year.
Encouraged by the success and the community’s generosity, we continued the raffle at our 2026 event—and raised over $2,300! The growth of this event over the past four years has been incredible. It shows how much these communities care about Carter’s memory and the broader mission of suicide awareness and prevention.
In 2026, we took the next step by formally establishing SLG Incorporated as a nonprofit organization. Our goal is to expand the event’s reach, touch more lives, and spread our core message: Suicide is never the answer.
No matter how dark things feel, there are people who want to help, who will listen, and who care deeply. If you’re struggling, please know you’re not alone. Let Carter’s story remind you that suicide’s pain ripples far beyond the individual—it devastates families, friends, and entire communities.
We are here to help. Reach out—to us, to a trusted person, or to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 anytime).
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can honor Carter by saving lives and bringing hope.