Students Julius Castillo, Mackenzie Marie Chapman, Samantha Megan Deitsch, Maia Hebron, Eden Hebron and Sarah Stricker Joined Lovato Onstage to Bring Awareness and Support to Mental Health Recovery and Raise Money for Mental Health Resources for the Students
Press Release – San Diego, CA (February 27, 2018) – Shining a spotlight on mental health with the goal of erasing the stigma around seeking help, CAST on Tour kicked off yesterday prior to the Demi Lovato concert at Viejas Arena in San Diego. Joining Lovato for the second year on her North American tour, CAST on Tourhosted a pre-show session for concertgoers led by Mike Bayer, Founder/CEO of CAST Centers and Chairman of the CAST Foundation, where they spoke on the topic of mental health awareness and provided support for attendees who shared their own personal stories.
Traveling from the east coast to take part were five students who survived the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida: Julius Castillo, Mackenzie Marie Chapman, Samantha Megan Deitsch, Maia Hebron, Eden Hebron and Sarah Stricker. During the concert, Lovato brought the students onstage and spoke about how much she admires them for coming together as a community in a time of devastation. The audience had the opportunity to show support by texting donations to the CAST Foundation who will apply that money towards mental health resources for the students.
“I’ve spent my entire career working to raise awareness of mental health issues so those affected can seek out the help they need, and feel safe in doing so. As we launch another CAST on Tour, our mission of promoting societal changes to destigmatize mental health is a critical need in our society and city-by-city we’re doing everything we can to put it at the forefront of the conversation so that we can continue to make this change,” said Mike Bayer. “The courage and resolve that the students from Stoneman Douglas have is truly inspiring. It was an honor to meet them and I’m glad they were able to join us tonight.”
“Bringing CAST on Tour was very important to me because I want to be able to reach and inspire my fans. Tonight was our first night of the tour and it was incredibly special,” said Demi Lovato. “I was able to bring out and meet a few of the students that had to experience the shooting in Florida on the 14th. It was such an honor to meet them and hear their courageous stories. I want to make sure their voices are being heard and we can provide them with the mental health and post trauma care they need.”
“Last night we heard some very personal stories and advice on a breadth of important issues. We need to make mental health something we can all talk about, because that’s the first step toward recovery,” said Dr. Cecelia Mylett, executive director/clinical director of CAST Centers.
CAST on Tour is sponsored by CAST Foundation, the nonprofit arm of CAST Centers, the nation’s premier mental health and wellness advocate. Now a part owner of CAST Centers, Demi Lovato made the brave decision to be vocal about her recovery, aiming to help as many people as possible through her advocacy. Bayer is a wellness expert with over a decade of experience in mental health, addiction recovery, interventions and personal coaching, and played a critical role in Lovato’s treatment and continues to support her in active recovery.
Produced by Live Nation and featuring special guests DJ Khaled and Kehlani, the 20-city CAST on Tour wraps March 31 in Tampa. Bayer and Lovato partnered to bring CAST Centers on Tour for the first-time last year when CAST Centers joined Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas on the Honda Civic Tour: Future Now.
Air travel for the students was provided by JetLux, a premiere jet charter company.
About CAST Centers
CAST Centers offers comprehensive mental health and wellness services to help people become their best selves. Founder and CEO Mike Bayer has spent over a decade changing the lives of executives, professionals, and celebrities as a personal development coach. Located in Los Angeles, CAST Centers delivers health and wellness coaching as well as treatment and recovery for addiction and mental health issues. To learn more, visit the website and CAST Centers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
