Particle Accelerator is an annual benefit concert with two main goals
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1. Raise money in order to support United Services, Inc. of Dayville, CT in their mission of providing an effective response to the youth, family and adult social and behavioral health needs in its community. Some programs we have supported are the 24 Hour Emergency Hotline and the Mental Health First Aid Training course. 2. Provide information and support for depression and suicide prevention, while promoting music and civic engagement as a healthy alternative to drug and alcohol abuse among young adults. |
The event is run by a group of local residents, business owners and musicians who donate their time, money and talent in order to bring suicide and depression awareness to the forefront. Particle Accelerator began 2007 in response to the suicide of local youth and musician Jack Young Jr.; aka The Legendary Jack Young Jr. When Jack Young Jr. told his family of his depression, they tried to get him help. But because Jack had no health insurance, he was turned away by local mental health clinics. Feeling hopeless, Jack Young Jr. committed suicide on his 27th birthday, May 8, 2007. It wasn’t until after young Jack’s death that his parents Grace Young and Jack Young Sr. discovered that United Services provided mental healthcare regardless of insurance status. Determined that no more parents should lose their son due to a lack of information, Jack Young Jr’s family created Particle Accelerator to honor Jack’s memory, spread awareness of suicide and depression, and raise funds to help United Services in all that they do for the community.
As word of the event spread, others whose lives had been touched by suicide joined the cause. In 2010, Particle Accelerator organizers began working with Putnam P.R.I.D.E, the Putnam Police Department and the Putnam Recreation Department to make the concert a town event in Putnam, Connecticut. The partnership proved fruitful; although the event was free to the public for the first time, Particle Accelerator raised an all-time high of more than $5,000.00 through sponsorships and donations the day of the event. Hundreds of local residents, representing a range of ages and backgrounds, came out to Rotary Park on July 24, 2010 to show their support and enjoy a day of family fun and music.
Particle Accelerator showcases local bands from a variety of genres. Some popular local bands that have donated their talent to Particle Accelerator are Billy Pilgrim, Circadium Rhythm, The Great Garage Band Reunion, Restless Souls, Kala Farnham and Element 42 to name just a few.