VIRGINIA BEACH (WAVY) — Dogs, veterans and first responders will all come together Dec. 7 at a fundraiser to raise awareness for mental health at Pups and Pints on London Bridge Road. "Both [veterans and first responders] in their own unique way encounter trauma, encounter death, encounter all these horrible things that we weren't meant to deal with," said Navy veteran and event organizer Matt Erisman. He suffered a traumatic brain injury in the Navy that left him suicidal and violent, but he's recovering with the help of medication and therapy. Pups and Pints is a three-acre complex with large and small dog parks, indoor and outdoor seating, dog daycare, a full bar and a restaurant. The upcoming fundraiser has special meaning for co-owner Christina Sims on multiple levels. "My son is a current firefighter here in Virginia Beach," she said in a Tuesday morning interview. "One of my best friends is also within the police department. Suicide is very close to my heart. My sister [died by] suicide, and being able to give back and make awareness, having the awareness out there." Erisman has been coming to Pups and Pints since it opened last year with his son's dog Maggie. "She was just very in tune with what I was going through emotionally, and she just took care of me during my darkest times," he said. An estimated 22 veterans die by suicide every day. "Veteran suicide is not a government problem," Erisman said. "It's not a VA problem. It's not a big pharma problem." He thinks the answer lies in something much simpler — someone to look you in the eye and show that you're part of a group with a shared experience. "[Asking them], 'Hey, how are you doing? Hey, haven't seen you for a while. Everything OK," Erisman said. The fundraiser will feature the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Chesapeake Psychological Associates, alternative treatments including Chinese medicine, along with natural therapies such as sound healing and aromatherapy, fun activities for kids and, of course, pups. Silent auction items will include a backseat ride in a fighter jet, a Norfolk Admirals jersey signed by the team and artwork from local artists. Organizers encourage tickets be purchased in advance, with a portion of the revenue benefitting No Fallen Heroes. Call 757-703-7877 or visit pupsandpints.dog for more information.