Stand Up and Speak Out, the anti-bullying campaign, and Friends of Madison Youth d/b/a The Barn to co-host three events

In recent years, a series of bullying-related suicides in the US and across the globe have drawn attention to the connection between bullying and suicide. Jill Nesi, a 4-time emmy nominated singer songwriter, founded Stand Up and Speak Out (SUSO) as a way to help spread awareness of this quickly spreading epidemic. The furtherance of their mission SUSO is promoting, Her Song, a PSA anti-bullying musical debuting at the Ivoryton Playhouse in May, that will educate and entertain its audience. The plot of Her Song centers around the experience of Stephanie, a shy high school student who auditions for a talent show but freezes up once onstage. To further compound her humiliation, a fellow classmate catches it all on video and posts it to social media for all to see. Stephanie’s story will educate parents, students, and families about the cruelty involved in bullying, how to recognize these situations, what to do, how adults can do more to model better behavior in our own lives, and how can we work together with one voice at a time to STAND UP, SPEAK OUT, AND STOP BULLYING while creating a CHAIN REACTION of kindness.

In an effort to raise awareness, funds and support for our youth, Stand Up and Speak Out, along with Friends of Madison Youth, LLC, d/b/a The Barn, will be co-hosting three events in the next three months. The Barn is a non-profit organization that provides programming and events for Connecticut’s youth and their families. The Barn is a safe substance and judgment free environment that empowers young people by supporting them in the exploration of their interests and passions. The first event, Pledge to Stop Bullying, will be held March 23rd, at Brother Mike's Restaurant and Bar (formerly known as Malone’s) located on 56 Academy St in Madison, CT. For a donation of $25, guests will enjoy the music stylings of Nick Fradiani Sr., a meet and greet with the Cast of Her Song, appetizers and a dinner buffet. Proceeds from the ticket and raffle sales from this event will benefit SUSO and The Barn.

The second event will be the Sunset Soiree held at the Stony Creek Brewery located at 5 Indian Neck Ave. Branford, CT on Thursday April 20th 6-9pm. Registration and a preview of incredible auction items including Island vacations, a Signed Lithograph of Ted Williams, Disney World tickets, Broadway Show tickets and so much more will begin at 6PM. For a $50 donation guests will enjoy a night of performances by Nick Fradiani Sr. and the cast of Her Song, hot and cold appetizers, an open bar cocktail hour (6:30-7:30pm). Proceeds from the silent auction/raffle, and the American Idol winner Nick Fradiani ultimate fan raffle will benefit SUSO and The Barn. Media Sponsored by Shore Publishing.

Finally, on May 17th, from 6:30 to 8pm Above the Pressure will be held at Robert H. Brown School in Madison, CT. Madison Youth and Family Services will partner with SUSO, The Barn and MADE for their conclusion of their three part informational series about the pressures our youth are under and how we can help them navigate through these challenges. The main focus of the night will be to shift perspectives on stress and social pressures with the help of music and personal stories. To illustrate this idea, The Cast of Her Song will perform a sampling of their songs, Madison students will share stories about the stresses and social pressures they experience day to day, and a message of empowerment and information will be provided for parents and kids. This FREE community event is a must for parents and students and will also include local youth and family groups who will have tables full of information available. The winner of American Idol Nick Fradiani Ultimate fan package will be drawn at the event. Tickets for the raffle are available at all of the events held by SUSO and The Barn, as well as, at Madison Youth and Family Services Office located at 10 School Street, Madison, CT between the hours of 9AM - 5PM. Three prizes will be awarded: Third Prize - Signed Nick Fradiani CD, Second Prize - 2 Tickets to Nick Fradiani concert on May 26, 2017 at the Ridgefield Playhouse and a signed CD, and First Prize - Meet and Greet with Nick Fradiani and full press coverage at the concert, Limo transportation to and from the concert, 2 tickets to his concert on May 26, 2017 at the Ridgefield Playhouse and a signed CD.

If you are interested in attending any or all of these events, purchasing raffle tickets or would like more information, go to www.madisonartsbarn.org, email: madisonartsbarn@gmail.com, or call 203-245-2689.