After a successful first run last year, the organizers of music-focused mental health fundraiser are gearing up for a second summer concert.
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Music for the Mind is hosting Brews & Beats at The Barn at the Red Barn Brewing Co. near Blenheim on Aug. 17 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Every year, multiple events are planned “to do what we can to raise as much funds as we can in support of mental health,” said Elisha Banks, founder of Music for the Mind.
She said this year has been another successful one, thanks to the support of Chatham-Kent residents and businesses.
Banks said a concert is also held in February, which is always a “huge success and helps us raise a good chunk of money.”
The upcoming summer concert was organized following the success of last year’s at the Sons of Kent Brewing Company in Chatham, which attracted 600 people, Banks said.
“Since 2019 we have raised over $160,000 for mental health initiatives in our community,” she said.
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The money “all stays here to help the people in Chatham-Kent who struggle with mental health,” Banks said.
She said the funds go three different areas, including Family Service Kent to provide minimal or free counseling for children and adults.
Another portion of the funding goes to the KIDS Team program housed at Family Service Kent.
“They use their funds to help cover the hefty cost of psychological assessments for children up to the age of 18,” Banks said. Those psychological assessments can cost families between $2,000 and $4,000, she noted.
Even before the recent run-up in the cost of living — driven by inflationary pressures in Canada — such assessments were a financial strain on families, Banks said.
“Now, it’s even harder for parents to even afford that hefty fee.”
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Banks said there is a waiting list, but money raised through Music for the Mind events “help get kids off that wait list faster.”
This year, Chatham-Kent Victim Services has been added as a recipient of a smaller portion of the money raised, Banks said. The money will be used to buy weighted blankets and gift cards for food and hygiene products to help people who’ve been through traumatic events.
Brews & Beats at The Barn will feature performances by DJ Shawn L, Bren, Courtney Wells Band, 89 Next, Dirt Country and 40 Hours Over.
Banks thanks the Red Barn for donating its space for the concert and sponsors for their support.
Tickets are $35, which includes a drink, and can be bought online at redbarnbrewing.com and at the gate, cash-only, on Aug. 17.
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