B.e. Easy Music and Arts Festival

Our dear 23-year-old son Benjamin passed away from a prescription drug overdose in 2011. Our hearts are broken, and our lives have been changed forever. No parent should have to endure the intense pain of losing his or her child, especially to a legal substance. Nor should any young adult lose a peer in such a manner. But unfortunately, this crisis has reached epidemic proportions, leaving many lo

st in its wake. Ben was a huge hearted, extremely talented and much loved individual. He treasured listening to music, fishing, his dog Delilah and the outdoors. However, he succumbed to the deadly cycle of addiction following a hip replacement surgery to repair a degenerative medical issue seven months before his passing. We were trying to think of a way to honor and celebrate Ben’s life when his brother came up with the idea to hold a music and arts festival, appropriate since Ben loved music and the festival community. With the overwhelming support of Ben’s friends, it was decided to organize the event and use any money raised by the festival to help people with addiction. In addition, it was suggested that we have councilors onsite to aid anyone needing help or wanting to talk. Powered by a team of motivated youth that recognizes that true power is in action, the B.E. Easy Music and Arts Festival and the B.E. (a 501(c)3 charitable organization), were established.