Rotaract Club

donates to 

Particle

PUTNAM — The 11th Annual Particle Accelerator received a donation of $2,500 from the Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club’s 2nd Annual Cornhole Classic.

“Particle Accelerator is dedicated to raising awareness for suicide and depression, and community partnership is critical to achieving that mission,” said United Services President/CEO Diane Manning. “We are grateful to the Rotaract Club for supporting Particle and United Services through their Cornhole Classic and helping to spread the message of hope in our community.”

The QVR Rotaract Club is a community service and professional networking organization for young professionals, ages 18 to 35, in northeastern Connecticut. The Rotaract Club’s Cornhole Classic, held June 3, featured 30 teams competing at the Thompson Speedway. 

Rotaract Club President Mallory Moreau said each year the club chooses a non-profit or an event that has a positive impact in our local community to support, and this year it was a “clear choice in selecting Particle Accelerator.”

“The event and mission work in perfect harmony of Rotaract’s commitment to Service above Self,” Moreau said. “We know the funds we raised will go far in supporting Particle Accelerator to raise awareness and fund supports for mental health locally in such a timely manner.”

Particle Accelerator benefits United Services’ Mental Health First Aid Training, a public education initiative that helps the public identify people in the midst of a mental health crisis more readily and get them the resources 

and professional help they need before they harm themselves or others.

The festival also aims to 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 Rotaract Club joins United Lens, The Savings Institute Bank & Trust, Wheelabrator, Byrnes Agency and Cannery Music Hall as top sponsors of this year’s event. 

The concert is organized by Putnam residents Jack and Grace Young and Eric and Sandy Gould with the help of many volunteer artists, bands, sound and lighting technicians and many others. Terry and Sarah Paquette, owners of The Stomping Ground on Main Street in Putnam, joined the event as honorary chairpersons this year.

The festival is held in memory of local musician Jack Young Jr.