Aevidum event success: The Happiness Project brings huge crowd to campus

By Chellc Clayton

Aevidum, a mental health club at Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus, kicked off its 2015 year with a bang on March 10 with a concert.

The club hosted a 10-hour long music festival in the Student Services Center to help raise awareness for mental illness.

More than 500 people attended the event throughout the day, Aevidum adviser Jason Burlew said.

Delaware Tech graduate Shawnice Sekscinski came to support her friend and Aevidum Vice President Candy Fortney.

“It's been a lot of fun, so far the performers have been great and it's all for a really good cause, mental health awareness. I'm really glad I could be here." Sekscinski said,

The crowd ranged from families with young children to local music enthusiasts.

Business Major Calhoun Vallentine said when class was cancelled he decided to join his friend, who was working the event, to see what The Happiness Project was about.

"I think it's great," Vallentine said, "we need more fun stuff like this in the area to keep the kids occupied and give them something to do."

Thirteen musical acts performed as 20 local vendors supported the cause by having booths to help provide resources and information on various topics for attendees.

Candy Hearts, who recently toured with New Found Glory, headlined the show.

Local music lover Takara White said she heard about the event through an app on her phone.

"I follow Candy Hearts on Bands in Town and saw that they would be at the Owens campus," White said. "I was super excited about the band being so close to me. Over all I thought it was a good experience and got to talk to some really cool people."

White brought her best friend, Brielle Tobias, to see Candy Hearts perform.

"We came out tonight because it sounded like a lot of fun to watch all the performances, dance around a little, and hang out with some nice people," Tobias said.

For more information on Aevidum's future events in the 2015 year, find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/404252586375456/?fref=ts