Music is saving lives
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
Particle Accelerator – an instrumental song written by Jack Young Jr. Beautiful music that is helping to save lives.
Grace Young’s son left the song, and more, as a legacy when he committed suicide in 2007.
The 19th annual Particle Accelerator concert, held Sept. 13, raises funds to support United Services’ efforts to provide adult social and behavioral health needs and 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.
Young said generally the concert raises about $10,000 for United Services each year. She estimated that some $150,000 has been raised through the years.
Particle Accelerator organizers said: “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. died by 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 and friends 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.”
Young said the legacy continues, starting in earnest this year, as grandson Micah Young is becoming more involved. He is the legacy, the next generation that Jack Young Jr. will save lives through.
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From left: Grace and Jim Young, Micah Young, Emmalyn Soullier.
United Services took part. From left: Diane Manning, president and CEO; Cherie Poirier and Julia Resener.