Youth Crusade Against Substance Abuse

DANBURY — The way Bobby Petrocelli looks at it, if he can live a life full of joy and hope – despite, in his case, the senseless death of his wife – so can today’s youth.

Mr Petrocelli, accompanied by the rock band Circadian Rhythm from McLean, Va., will lead the one-night Rock Danbury non-denominational youth crusade Friday, May 12, for area youth at St Peter’s Church, located on Main Street across from the city’s police station (Exit 5 off Interstate 84). The event begins at 7 pm.

In October, 1985, while Mr Petrocelli and his wife slept in their Texas home, a truck veered off a road, went through a field, and slammed through the wall of their bedroom, injuring Bobby and killing his wife. The driver’s blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit.

Mr Petrocelli, who has since become a nationally known speaker on substance abuse prevention, recovered not only from his physical injuries but also from the even deeper emotional and spiritual wounds, and now delivers a powerful Christian motivational message of hope and joy to youths – believers and non-believers alike – who wonder whether God and his world are good.

Mr Petrocelli’s talk is sponsored by the campus ministries at Western Connecticut State University, the New Milford chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Community Coffeehouse in Danbury, and St Peter’s Church. Admission to the event is free, but a free-will offering will be taken.

Mr Petrocelli is a Brooklyn, N.Y., native who played collegiate baseball in Oklahoma before becoming a teacher and coach. He also holds a master’s degree in counseling. Many of his talks against substance abuse have been sponsored by local chapters of MADD. He made such a speaking appearance in Danbury in 1998.

For more information on Rock Danbury call Jane Heddy of MADD at 860/350-6233.