Rock Out for Reach Out

The was jumping Friday with more than 400 people at the 18th annual Rock Out for Reach Out fundraiser. Reach Out Benicia  is a substance abuse program for young people ages 13 to 30.

“The event is going perfect,” said Executive Director Earl Miller as he rushed around. Dozens of Benicia businesses donated goods and services. “It's always the community — a lot of the same faces and a lot of new faces, too.”

The concert was the draw, but the real magic happened when kids from ROB bravely shared their progress. Each person walked onto the stage with a sign that said where they came from. For instance: “Violence, Fear and Anger is how I Survived.”

Then each flipped the sign to say where they are now. Signs read, “169 Days of my New Life. I'm Hella Happy,” “Age 16, 369 Days Clean and Sober” and “366 Days of Honesty and Compassion, The New Me.” One woman's sign read, “8 Months Clean with New Life” and her son's sign read, “I Got My Mom Back.”

The crowd responded with thundering applause. Many were moved to tears. “I have 50 or 60 kids here tonight,” said Miller. Understandably, many kids are too nervous to go up on stage, but it was a triumph for Miller.

Silent and live auctions were held with offerings of electric guitars signed by music artists: The Goo Goo Dolls, Huey Lewis and Slash, the chain smoking lead guitarist from Guns n' Roses. Other items included jewelry, a bowl from Nourot Glass and albums signed by The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and bass player David Sikes of Boston.

Sikes performed with other accomplished rock-and-rollers. The band featured Jesse Bradman, keyboardist from Nightranger; Jeff Campitelli, drummer with Joe Satriani; guitarist Bob Gilles, who's played with Steve Miller; and Carlos Reyes, a producer and electric violinist. They rocked songs by Aerosmith, The Beatles and Janice Joplin, which led to some high-energy dancing. The highlight was Sike's teenage son playing lead guitar on Purple Haze.

The funds raised enable Reach Out to help kids like Alex Harlander, who grew up in Benicia and began using drugs and alcohol at the age of 11. His use of methamphetamines led to jail time.

Harlander, 26, works at and has been drug and alcohol free for six months. He credits Reach Out  and and is a now an sponsor. “I wish everyone could do the 12 steps. The level of my acceptance for other people is a direct reflection of the peace and serenity inside my heart,” he said. “Happiness is not a place to arrive at, it's the things that occur on a day-to-day basis. I live for now, because life is all I have. I am really grateful and I would not trade my sobriety for anything.”

Robert Phillips, 17, who was court ordered to attend Reach Out Benicia, said he got into it after the first meeting. “Earl is just really a nice guy. If you need help, he'll help you out.”

Joe Irving, 17, was expelled from school for selling drugs at age 14 and has been with Reach Out for two years. “It's Earl's fault that I'm clean. He showed me fun in sobriety,” Joe said. “He inspired me to go to AA meetings and tells me that people see me as an inspiration for doing the steps.”

“Because of Earl Miller and Reach Out Benicia, I now have a goal in my life,” said another participant. “I am going to college and get to be a drug counselor. I get to help people fight this disease that insidiously kills our kids, friends, husbands and wives.”

Miller and wife Jane started ROB 18 years ago in their home. Miller is an internationally certified drug and alcohol counselor. He understands the emotional roller-coaster that kids go through from his own experience with addiction and recovery. “With a past like my own, there is not much I haven't experienced and I have a heart for all who suffer with these deadly diseases.”

This week, the couple is retiring to Mexico. Miller plans to return monthly to check in with the group. Friday's event was the perfect send-off for the couple, whose legacy will live on in Benicia.