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A family-friendly event is happening on Saturday in the Adel community to support mental health.

According to the Caelen Peterson Memorial Scholarship Foundation President Amber Rowley, the organization is putting together a Summer Jam to stress the importance of mental health. She notes that Peterson was a teen from Adel, who took his own life in 2023 after being bullied. Rowley details that she’s been working closely with Peterson’s family and started a scholarship fund on February 8th, 2024, which marked the one-year anniversary of his death. 

Rowley outlines the event centers around erasing the stigma behind mental health by providing resources to people that may need them. She says that it is imperative that people are kind to each other.

“There’s no shame in not being okay, we want you to know that you’re not alone, it’s okay to not be okay, and nobody needs to walk in the dark alone. No one should feel ashamed when they’re struggling with their mental health. When we’re sick physically, we go to the doctor, our mental health should be no different.”

Rowley mentions the event will feature food trucks, kids activities, a car show, a pie auction, a street dance, and more. She adds that mental health providers will be on hand to help point people in the right direction. Rowley reveals that Peterson’s parents will be there to talk about his legacy and will award a $5,000 scholarship to a 2026 graduating senior from Adel-DeSoto-Minburn High School, as that is when Peterson would’ve finished high school.

Rowley explains the Summer Jam is taking place at the Bandshell and Pavilion on the corner of 10th Street and Main Street in Adel on Saturday from noon to 10pm. Any questions can be directed to Rowley at (515)-446-0475.