FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Baylis 207 ... - SADD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Baylis 207 ... - SADD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Baylis 207 ... - SADD
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<strong>FOR</strong> <strong>IMMEDIATE</strong> <strong>RELEASE</strong><br />
<strong>CONTACT</strong>:<br />
<strong>Jennifer</strong> <strong>Baylis</strong><br />
<strong>207</strong>-233-5398 (cell)<br />
jbaylis@sadd.org<br />
MASSACHUSETTS <strong>SADD</strong> IS<br />
PUTTING SAFETY INTO DRIVE <strong>FOR</strong> ANOTHER 25!<br />
Mayor Thomas Menino and Survivor: Africa Winner Ethan Zohn<br />
To Speak at Large-Scale Safety Fair and Press Event<br />
BOSTON (July 17, 2006) – <strong>SADD</strong> (Students Against Destructive Decisions) is turning 25!<br />
Hundreds of students from across the country have come together in Boston to celebrate <strong>SADD</strong>’s<br />
25-year history – and get revved up for the future. “Putting SAFETY Into DRIVE for Another<br />
25,” which will close out the 2006 <strong>SADD</strong> National Conference, will take place at Boston’s City<br />
Hall Plaza on Monday, July 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This is a chance for the public to<br />
learn more about the key issues teens face every day, witness the revolutionary work that <strong>SADD</strong><br />
students are doing nationwide, and be part of the festivities.<br />
“Through support from the Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau, a program of the Executive<br />
Office of Public Safety, 11 youth leaders from the Commonwealth have been working hard to<br />
plan this event,” Julie Cushing, Massachusetts Youth Program Director, said. “They’re<br />
determined to make the Safety Fair a very memorable experience for everyone who attends.”<br />
The event will feature interactive and educational exhibits, live entertainment, and a special<br />
appearance by the New England Revolution’s “street team” and mascot. A press conference is<br />
scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Mayor Thomas M. Menino will provide opening remarks.<br />
- more -
Putting SAFETY Into DRIVE for Another 25 2<br />
"I am delighted to be here to celebrate <strong>SADD</strong>'s 25th anniversary, and I am proud that the City of<br />
Boston is playing an important role in your efforts to enhance and strengthen <strong>SADD</strong>'s important<br />
message," Mayor Menino said. "Like <strong>SADD</strong>, I believe in the ability of our young people to be<br />
good leaders and, working together, we can continue to build a bright future for our young<br />
people."<br />
Ethan Zohn, winner of the CBS reality series Survivor: Africa, co-founder of Grassroot Soccer<br />
and director of Kick AIDS, will speak about youth leadership and the importance of giving back<br />
to the community.<br />
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be presenting an award, congratulating<br />
<strong>SADD</strong> for its 25 years of success. <strong>SADD</strong> National Chairman and Chief Executive Officer<br />
Stephen Wallace will also be honored by the White House Office of National Drug Control<br />
Policy (ONDCP). Deputy Director Mary Ann Solberg will present Mr. Wallace with a certificate<br />
of recognition for the work he has done for ONDCP and his tireless efforts in fighting teen<br />
substance abuse.<br />
Founded as Students Against Driving Drunk in 1981 in Wayland, Massachusetts, <strong>SADD</strong> has<br />
grown to become the nation’s premier peer-to-peer youth education and prevention organization<br />
with 10,000 chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges. In 1997, in response to<br />
requests from <strong>SADD</strong> students themselves, <strong>SADD</strong> expanded its mission and now sponsors<br />
chapters called Students Against Destructive Decisions. <strong>SADD</strong> continues to endorse a firm "No<br />
Use" message related to use of alcohol and other drugs. <strong>SADD</strong> now highlights prevention of all<br />
destructive behaviors and attitudes that are harmful to young people, including underage<br />
drinking, substance abuse, impaired driving, and teen violence and suicide. More information<br />
about <strong>SADD</strong> is available at www.sadd.org.<br />
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