July 11, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Courage to Speak Foundation Announces the 20th Annual Ian James Eaccarino Memorial 9-Mile Race to take place on Saturday, August 4th, 2018 at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, CT
Ginger Katz, CEO and Founder of the Courage to Speak® Foundation and author of Sunny’s Story, announced The 20thAnnual Ian James Eaccarino Memorial 9-Mile Race, which will take place on Saturday, August 4th at 8:00am at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, Connecticut and is promoted by the Lightfoot Running Club. Norwalk’s Mayor Harry Rilling will show his continued support of the mission of the Courage to Speak® Foundation by addressing the runners before the race, and Don Capone will serve as Race Director.
Ginger and her husband, Larry, have been members of the Lightfoot Running Club for over 35 years and are co-founders of The Courage to Speak® Foundation. The race is dedicated to Ian Eaccarino, the son of Ginger and Larry, who passed away after an accidental heroin and prescription drug overdose. The 9-Mile Race is dedicated to Ian’s memory, as he worked at the beach the summer before he died and personally planted many of the trees that are now aligned with this beautiful beach.
The 20th Annual Ian James Eaccarino Memorial 9-Mile will begin at 8:00 am on Saturday, August 4th, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. at Calf Pasture Beach. Last year, 161 runners participated in this extraordinary community race. This demonstrates the commitment to a healthy drug-free lifestyle – the essence of our message to young people. This year a plaque will be presented to the youngest runner who will come in first over the finish line.
Our sponsors for the race include The Lightfoot Running Club, Norwalk Park & Recreational Department, and Booth Financial But we need more help so that we can continue our important mission. Please consider becoming a sponsor: Platinum Sponsor ($2,500), Gold Sponsor ($1,000), Silver Sponsor ($500), Bronze Sponsor ($250) and Friend of the Race ($100).
The Courage to Speak® Foundation is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1996 whose mission is to save lives by empowering youth to be drug free and parents to communicate effectively with their children about the dangers of drugs. Over the past 22 years, Ginger and Larry together have presented Ian’s story to hundreds of thousands of people across the country and have been recognized on a state and national level for their work.
The Courage to Speak® Foundation has developed drug prevention education programs taught to students in Connecticut schools and beyond, and Courage to Speak – Courageous Parenting 101® a free course offered in English and Spanish evaluated and recommend by Yale University that educates parents on how to keep their children safe from drugs. Over one thousand parents have attended the program and over 150 facilitators are trained to teach the course throughout Connecticut as well as many other states.
For information about sponsoring the race, running in the race and volunteering, please call Ginger Katz at (877) 431-3295 or e-mail gkatz@couragetospeak.org or visit www.couragetospeak.org.
About The Courage to Speak® Foundation:
The Courage To Speak Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Norwalk, CT, whose mission is “to save lives by empowering youth to be drug free through fostering education and open communication about the dangers of drug and alcohol use.” Ginger Katz founded the organization in 1996, just months after her 20 year old son Ian James Eaccarino died of an accidental drug overdose. She and her husband Larry Katz pledged that they would do all they could to help prevent such a tragedy from befalling another family. Since then, Ms. Katz has given nearly 1000 presentations reaching hundreds of thousands of individuals – young people and the adults who care about them. The Courage to Speak Foundation developed drug prevention programs for elementary, middle and high school students as well as parents through Courage to Speak – Courageous Parenting 101®. Ms. Katz also has authored a new book called Sunny’s Story. A book for children of all ages; parents, grandparents, teachers, and others. www.couragetospeak.org
About the Lightfoot Running Club:
The Lightfoot Running Club is a Connecticut organization for runners that hosts and participates in races in several counties in Connecticut. They are committed to raising the bar of competition to reveal the true generosity of the human spirit. www.lightfootrunners.com
Contact:
Ginger Katz
gkatz@couragetospeak.org
(203)247-3975
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