Boondocks Vintage Boutique in Cottage Grove will host a special community event on Saturday, September 13, to honor the life of 12-year-old Delilah Steenberg and shine a light on suicide prevention, mental health, and the risks of social media addiction.
Delilah was born on September 13, 2012, and this year would have marked her golden birthday. Instead, her family is channeling grief into purpose, calling the gathering “The Weird Heart Project: A Golden Birthday for a Life Saving Purpose.” The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the boutique, 7402 Lamar Ave S, and is designed to ensure Delilah’s short but remarkable life is remembered with love and action.
“My child lost her fight with mental illness on March 8, 2025 at 12 years old,” her mother Allison wrote in the event announcement. “Her dream was to be a published artist, but left this world too soon to see her dream come true... when I die look for me in MUSIC! I’ll be there.”
Music will take center stage during the day, beginning with the release of “Weird Heart,” a song Delilah co-wrote with her teacher, Joe Schertz, at the School of Music and Mayhem. The track, featuring her voice and lyrics, will be available on all streaming platforms starting Saturday morning. “Her dreams will become a reality,” organizers said.
The event schedule also includes a meet-and-greet with Officer Scott Shaver and his therapy dog, Riggs, who will provide resources and support from the Cottage Grove Police Department. At noon, Elvis impersonator Tony Redmond will take the stage for a golden birthday performance and photos.
Throughout the day, local vendors will sell handmade items, with a portion of proceeds supporting suicide awareness organizations. Community partners including NAMI, Family Means, Canvas Health, Washington County Crisis Response Unit, the Cottage Grove Police Department, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will also be on-site, offering information and help for those struggling with mental health challenges, grief, or social media-related pressures.
Delilah’s story is one of creativity and empathy. She was a gifted actress and musician who once played Orpheus in her school play and sang for her classmates, a child who cared deeply for others even as she wrestled with her own struggles. Her family says she was more than a statistic. “She was more than a tragedy; her life was important, and her struggle with mental illness was a part of her, not all of her.”
By celebrating her golden birthday with music, community, and resources, the family hopes her memory will help others find strength and support.
Event Details
Location: Boondocks Vintage Boutique, 7402 Lamar Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Schedule of Events:
• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Meet Officer Scott Shaver and his therapy dog, Riggs, from the Cottage Grove Police Department. They will be providing crisis information, mental health resources, and photo opportunities.
• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: "Weird Heart" Song Release. Join Joe Schertz from "The School of Music and Mayhem" for the world premiere of the song on all major streaming platforms.
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: A special "Golden Birthday" performance from Elvis Presley impersonator, Tony Redmond, who will be available for photos.
• 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM: A local vendor craft sale. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to suicide awareness organizations.
• 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Community Resource partners will be on-site to provide valuable information and support on mental health, social media addiction, crisis help, and grief counseling. Partners include NAMI, Family Means, Canvas Health, Washington County Crisis Response Unit, Cottage Grove Police Department, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Contact: For more information or to participate, please call Boondocks Vintage Boutique at 651-340-7654 or email Boondocksboutique@outlook.com.