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Music For Life

A personal campaign sponsored by Marc Dougherty

May 25, 2013

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The birth of Music For Life:

Some of you may know my story and some of may not. To summarize, after graduating from college in 2009, I worked in the finance industry for almost 4 years. After on and off depression and resignation about my jobs and my life, I realized, amongst other things, both who I really am and that my true passion lied in music, and spreading the love and joy I get from music to others.

I resigned from my job in November 2012 to start the next chapter.

While battling my depression and pondering the life-altering decision of resigning from a perfectly secure and well-paying job, one that by typical American standards should have made me happy and fulfilled, I discovered a transformative education organization in NYC. In one of their courses I was a part of, each participant had to create a community project. I knew right away my project would involve music, and would be something that help bring together all of the friends and family I had throughout the NJ and NY area, that I not been able to stay in constant touch with, through moving a couple times, and different jobs. I also knew I wanted to do something to help raise awareness and education efforts regarding depression and anxiety.

I decided to create an all day music benefit event, featuring many local live musicians and bands, food donated from local restaurants, and a space to bring together family, friends, and community for a good cause.

In the beginning, I did not know specifically which charity to work with.

Then, on January 12, 2013, tragedy struck. My cousin, John Dougherty, 19 years old, died by suicide. The funeral of my 19 year old cousin was one of the most difficult and emotional experiences of my life. There was a father, mother, two brothers, two sisters, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends left heartbroken, grieving, and confused.

It then became clear to me that I wanted to help however I could to help raise awareness on the subject of suicide, its factors, and causes and this is how I came across AFSP, the nation’s leading organization bringing together people across communities and backgrounds to understand and prevent suicide, and to help heal the pain it causes.

With this event, I hope to have an amazing, fun-filled day of music, community and support. A day where we can all take a second and be grateful for all of the family and friends in our lives and tell those important to us how much we care. While doing so, I hope to raise as much money as possible to AFSP to continue their efforts on understanding and preventing suicide.

Thanks in advance for all of your support and I look forward to seeing you on May 25th.

Please spread the word, join our Facebook Event page:
(https://www.facebook.com/events/277662552365611/?ref=14), and help me and AFSP educate people on and prevent suicide in the world.


-Marc

Facebook Event Page