A Pleasantville family who lost their son to suicide celebrated his life over the weekend and is now creating change in local schools.

The second annual “Break the Hold” Benefit was held Saturday night at Club Infinity.

The goal was to raise money and awareness about mental health issues and suicide prevention.

The BTH foundation was formed after 19-year-old Brian Halloran took his own life in January of 2018.

His father, Brian Halloran, said creating programs in local schools is important because it helps break the stigma around mental health for young people.

"Going through life is very difficult. The stresses in their young lives, and they have to learn to understand their emotional well-being and their psychological well-being is just as important as their physical well-being,” Halloran said. “And they need to be able to address that and have the verbiage to discuss that, and be there for each other when other people are suffering beyond what might be the normal circumstances."

Anyone seeking help is encouraged to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK or text "TALK" to 741-741.