2nd annual Zachtoberfest will raise awareness, funds & hope for those with OCD

The second annual Zachtoberfest will take place from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Wings Meeting Place, 3964 California Road, Orchard Park. The event benefits TEMPO (Treatment for the Effective Management of Pediatric OCD) at Oishei Children’s Hospital Psychiatric Clinic.

TEMPO provides treatment programs for the effective management of pediatric obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD). Last year’s event raised $85,000.

A press release stated, “The Zach Liberatore Foundation hopes to build on a strong inaugural year supporting those in our community suffering from OCD and other mental challenges. The proceeds will also aid TEMPO families with treatment costs.”

This year’s event will feature speaker Christopher Fitzgerald, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, Oishei Children’s Hospital.

Zachtoberfest’s $45 donation includes food, beer, wine, basket raffles, silent auction items and live music from the band After Affect.

The press release continued, “Zach Liberatore Foundation was founded to continue the legacy of Zach, who bravely battled with OCD and spoke openly and candidly about his struggle. It is the lack of awareness and conversation about mental health that prevents people from receiving the treatment needed to overcome disorders.

Zach was passionate about helping others impacted by mental health and breaking the associated stigmas and stereotypes. In Zach’s own words, ‘The world’s lack of understanding for our disease is sickening, because it truly does deteriorate our well-being, and suicides often occur because of it. It’s time for us to start sharing our experiences and battles with mental illness in order to give society a better understanding of the cruelty and torture that comes along with mental disorders.’

“Unfortunately, Zach passed away in 2020, but his story and mission continues to save lives.”

To buy tickets, donate, or learn more, visit https://zachliberatore.com/events or contact Jennifer Liberatore at 716-472-3111.

The TEMPO clinic serves children and adolescents (and their families) who are struggling to manage OCD.

The Children’s Psychiatry Center is a New York State Office of Mental Health-licensed center that serves children from birth to 21 years of age, and provides diagnostic and treatment services to youth and their families who are experiencing emotional and/or behavioral disturbances or family relationship problems.