September is Suicide Prevention Month, and one Zionsville family intends to spread awareness with an upcoming musical event.
In November of 2021, Zionsville residents Randy and Angie Eugenio lost their 19-year-old son Tate, who died by suicide. In his memory, they are organizing a concert to raise money for local nonprofits in an effort to end the stigma surrounding mental health.
The inaugural Music2Heal event will be presented at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at STAR Bank Performing Arts Center. Zionsville musicians, past and present, are coming together for a benefit concert to highlight the importance of mental health in honor of Tate.
“My family and I are all music lovers, and Tate was no exception,” Angie said. “His middle school teacher guided him to the drums, and it was the perfect fit.”
Tate Eugenio graduated Zionsville Community High School summa cum laude. He was attending Purdue University to study computer engineering at the time of his death. Eugenio was active in sports and music from middle school to college.
Tate’s mother’s goal was to create an event that would allow bands to perform while spreading awareness for mental health.
“Tate had a short battle with mental health, and our family struggled to find the best way to help him and (find) the correct resources,” Angie said. “We do not want that for any other family. We do not want anyone else to go through what we did.”
Tate played in a band called The Fragments, which will perform at the event.
“I have been wanting to allow bands to play and raise money for mental health for a while now, and it took a minute to find the right idea,” Angie said. “It was a dream, and I did not know how to make it a reality.”
Angie contacted Isaac Spillman, an arts administrator and educator who was thrilled about the idea of doing a benefit concert. According to Angie, the Zionsville community has been extremely supportive.
Music2Heal will feature performances by Six Foot Blonde, Remember June, The Fragments, The Papercuts, Barrett and other bands. During intermission, local mental health nonprofits will be on-site to give presentations.
“At the event, we will be previewing an upcoming documentary titled ‘Racing to Respond’ that features Tate’s story,” Angie said.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Tate Eugenio Memorial Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Boone County. The money raised will also go to mental health organizations, including the National Alliance on Mental Health, Zionsville Alliance for Mental Wellness and the American Society for Suicide Prevention.
“I have worked with the nonprofits we have chosen during our journey with Tate,” Angie said. “All of them offer great resources, and I look forward to shining a lot on everything they offer.”
Angie said she would love for Music2Heal to become an annual event, but for now, her focus is on making the first event a success.
“My goal for the event is to fill all the seats and give the performers a great audience,” Angie said.
Above all, Angie said she hopes the event raises awareness of the resources the Zionsville community offers for mental health.
“This event would not be possible without the eagerness of performers to participate,” Angie said. “I am so grateful for everyone who has come together to make this event happen. I hope our event helps make it safer to talk about mental health and gives the community a chance to enjoy a night of music.”
If you go
What: Music2Heal benefit concert
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 30
Where: STAR Bank Performing Arts Center, 1000 Mulberry St. Zionsville
Tickets: $10 for students and $15 for adults.
Where to purchase tickets: Visit zionsvillepac.ludus.com/index.php?sections=events&widget=1.
