by Jon Craig
March 18, 2018
Courage To Speak About Being Drug-Free Celebrates 14th Annual Family Night
Ginger Katz with local families at the Courage to Speak Family Night. Photo Credit: Contributed
The 14th Annual Courage To Speak Empowering Youth to Be Drug Free Family Night will take place on Tuesday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m., at Roton Middle School, 201 Highland Ave. in Norwalk.
All are invited to the event, which will bring students, parents, educators, school and government officials, business and other community leaders together to affirm their commitment to keep children safe from drugs and other risky behaviors. A complimentary dinner will be served.
The Courage to Speak Foundation was founded by Ginger and Larry Katz in 1996 after their 20-year-old son, Ian, died of an accidental heroin and prescription drug overdose. Since then, it has been their mission to do everything in their power to prevent this tragedy from happening to another family. This marks the 22nd year of fulfilling that mission.
This exciting event will spotlight the outstanding work and words of students who participate in the Courage to Speak Foundation’s curricula in their schools taught by the health class teachers. Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, Norwalk Chief of Police Thomas Kulhawik and Superintendent of Schools Steven Adamowski will introduce the students who take the microphone and speak out with their vows not to use drugs.
The evening’s guest speaker will be Steven Hernández, executive director for the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children and Seniors.
The Courage to Speak Foundation will honor its Volunteer of the Year and present Leadership Awards to individuals that have gone above and beyond. Roton Middle School Principal Joseph Vellucci will serve as master of ceremonies.
On display will be artwork created by the students during their drug prevention. Highlights of the event include students reading their drug prevention messages and the Courage to Speak Presentation for parents and students by Ginger Katz, CEO & founder of the Courage to Speak Foundation.
For more details, to become a sponsor and volunteer, visit www.couragetospeak.org, call 1-203-831-9700 , or email Ginger Katz at gkatz@couragetospeak.org
