BY STACI WILSON

AGreat Bendman is bringing some music with a message of hope to young people in the area this weekend.

Caleb Park, 20, has organized an Aug. 11 concert event inGreat Bendto benefit To Write Love on Her Arms, a non-profit group dedicated to presenting hope and finding treatment for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.

Park first became aware of TWLOHA while he was attendingLockHavenUniversity. “It’s honestly the only charity I would raise money for,” he said.

The concert line-up includes an eclectic mix of music with Samuel Brush performing gospel and country; Warren Armondi in an acoustic set; Railways & Skyways, whose sound Park said is in the same vein as Secondhand Serenade; and indie/punk band Atlas Arrows will all take the stage at theGreat BendAllianceChurch,Randolph St.,Great Bend. The concert starts at6 p.m., with doors opening at5:30 p.m.

With a spike in teen suicide around the country, Park said the concert will help with the prevention efforts.

“There’s nothing around here for teen to do or anyway to voice their problems, so this is a way that people can come together and see there is hope,” Park said.

TheBlue Ridgegraduate said he was diagnosed with depression in middle school and was involved with SADD throughout his high school years.

But depression isn’t always recognized in young people, he said.

“I feel like it just gets lost on teens. A lot of people chalk it up to hormones or that teens are just regularly moody,” Park said.

He also said that not many people in this area are qualified or interested in working with teenagers with depression. “A lot of mental illness health is directed toward seniors here,” he said.

For more information or to purchase concert tickets, call 570-396-8919.