Labor of Love festival well received, organizers state
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
On a record-setting day at New Munster Ball Park Sept. 4, Just Live, Inc., welcomed bluegrass music fans from several parts of the state, all to raise awareness of suicide and fund suicide prevention programs.
The Labor of Love Music Festival in its seventh year reportedly set a new fundraising record of $84,000, according to Jill Riley, who has been involved in the nonprofit organization since 2009.
Proceeds from the event, where four bands showcased their talents, went toward programs research of mental illness and bolster established programs central to helping those afflicted with depression.
Since 2009, the number of people enduring the pain who have succumbed to suicide or attempted suicide is on the rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The CDC reports 41,000 suicide deaths occurred in 2013, up from 38,000 in a similar study in 2010.
Just Live, Inc., a nonprofit organization, sparked by the loss of Kelly Wilson’s 21-year-old daughter, Jamie, seeks to help these people cope with depression, among other illnesses.
“It is not all about the money, it’s about raising awareness, and hope that we accomplished that,” Kelly Wilson stated.
With suicide information available to attendees of the event, some as far as three hours away came to support the cause, and see their favorite groups.
Joe Zuniga, a City of Marion resident in Shawano County, stated he wanted to check out Horseshoes and Hand Grenades.
The Marion resident came with his brother, Tony, and noted the welcoming environment and friendliness of all Just Live, Inc. representatives.
“It was great. Lot of families, lots of kids, and it was well run,” Zuniga stated.
According to Riley, who organized the bands, Zuniga’s reaction does not come as a surprise after she watched Horseshoes and Hand Grenades perform in Minocqua on two occasions.
“I live up in Lac du Flambeau, so I’ve seen Horseshoes a couple of times in Minocqua,” Riley said. “I know they are an awesome band and they have a big following.”
Other bands that came were Pert Near Sandstone, Whiskey Shivers and Sparrow Tree.
While Horsehoes and Hand Grenades had a following, Zuniga said, he noted there were several resources available to those who needed help.
“There was a lot of information available and it was definitely a worthwhile cause,” he said.
Additionally, he liked the scheduled closing of 7 p.m., giving long-distance drivers a larger window of opportunity to attend.
Since the event does not charge admission, Riley was unsure of how many attended, but noted both parking lots had filled up.
Wilson, who hopes the event saved lives, said the turnout exceeded her expectations.
“It is amazing, surreal,” she said.