The Courage to Speak® Foundation.
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 6, 2018 |
CONTACT: Ginger Katz PHONE: : (203) 247-3975 |
Courage to Speak® Foundation’s 22nd Year in Mission to Save Lives
“The 14th Annual Courage to Speak® Empowering Youth to be Drug-Free Family Night”
The 14th Annual Courage To Speak Empowering Youth to Be Drug Free Family Night will take place on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 5:30 p.m., at Roton Middle School, 201 Highland Ave, Norwalk, CT, (snow date: March 20). 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 our 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 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’s Mayor Harry Rilling, Norwalk Chief of Police, Thomas Kulhawik and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. 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, Esq., the Executive Director for the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children and Seniors. We will also be honoring our Volunteer of the Year and presenting Leadership Awards to individuals that have gone above and beyond for the Courage to Speak Foundation. Roton Middle School Principal, Mr. Joseph Vellucci, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
On display will be the remarkable artwork created by the students during their drug prevention. Highlights of the event include the students’ readings of 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.
Our sponsors to date include, Platinum: Gateway Graphic and Norwalk Public Schools. Gold: Norwalk Pizza and Pasta and Norwalk Police. Silver include: Abram Heisler, Attorney at Law, The Bennett Family, Diageo, The Doyle Family, Fischel Properties, First County Bank Foundation, The Gilbertson Family, Silvermine Golf Club, TD Bank, and World Wrestling Entertainment. Friends of the event: Accurate Auto Repair, Aitoro Applianes, Beiersdorf Inc, B.J. Ryan’s, Braach’s Flowers, Bruce’s Flowers, Costco, Crystal Restoration, Don Carmelo’s, Diamond Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts Jimmy’s Mediterranean Deli, Jordan’s Pizza, Muro’s Original New York Bakery, Malcolm Beyer, Miklos Koleszar, Attorney at Law, O’Neill’s Pub, Outback Steakhouse, Partners Café, Stew Leonard’s and Valentino’s Cucina Italiana.
For more information about the event, to become a sponsor and volunteer, visit www.couragetospeak.org, call 1-203-831-9700, or email Ginger Katz at gkatz@couragetospeak.org
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About The Courage to Speak Foundation:
The Courage To Speak Foundation, Inc. exists to save lives by empowering youth to be drug free through fostering education and open communication about the dangers of drug use. Ginger Katz founded the nonprofit organization in 1996, just months after her 20 year old son, Ian James Eaccarino, died of a drug overdose. She and her husband, Larry, pledged to do everything in their power to help prevent such a tragedy from happening to another family. The Courage To Speak Foundation spearheaded the development of drug prevention curricula for elementary (based on Sunny’s Story), middle and high school students as well as for parents through Courage to Speak – Courageous Parenting 101. Ms. Katz has given nearly 1,000 presentations to over a million young people and the adults who care about them. Please visit www.couragetospeak.org.