Izach Butler said he's witnessed bullying and has been holding garage sales and fundraisers for months to help raise awareness in his community, RTV6's Erika Flye reported.

"Bullying is bad and no adult or child should do it," he said.

Through his tireless efforts, Butler convinced anti-bullying advocate Kirk Smalley to speak Friday night at the New Castle Fieldhouse.

Smalley's 11-year-old son, Ty, was bullied in school, leading him to commit suicide in the family's home in 2010. The recent movie "Bully" was based on Ty's story.

"(Ty's mother) came home that evening and found that he'd killed himself on our bedroom floor," Smalley told the crowd. "Ever since then we've decided that we couldn't let this happen to another baby or another family. It's not a good place to be."

Smalley now tours the country speaking out against bullying as part of his group, Stand For the Silent. He said he was impressed by Butler's drive.

"He just really took off with it, and he's got the whole community and the whole area involved, and that's what it takes to stop this," Smalley said. "Kids can't stop bullying by themselves. Schools can't stop it. Parents can't stop it. It takes a whole village working together."

Butler said he's dedicated to wiping out the growing problem, and he said Friday's gathering is just the start.

"I'm really proud of myself. My family's really proud. My friends are really proud, and it just feels amazing," he said.

Butler said he would like to start a Stand For the Silent chapter in New Castle to combat the problem of bullying.

More Information: Stand For the Silent