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What does that mischievous vampire Josef from the hit TV show Moonlight have in common with Councilmember Tom LaBonge and the Los Angeles Fire Department? Well, it’s not sucking blood. And they won’t be bearing fangs. But they are all joining together in a stand against an even more life threatening epidemic – the substance abuse that infests all strata of our nation – at the 7th annual Los Angeles Say No to Drugs Holiday Classic Race that will be held on December 16th in Griffith Park. “So many lives and careers are ruined by substance abuse,” said Jason Dhoring, the real life persona of the vampire Josef, who also starred as Logan in the Veronica Mars TV series and will be the Master of Ceremonies at the race. “Some kids get on drugs as young as 11 years old. It’s a bad track. Once you get into it, it’s hard to get out. I support programs that break this cycle and work toward stopping it before it starts, such as those connected to this race.” Elite runners, running enthusiasts of all ages as well as those who like to get out and walk for a good cause will be showing up at Griffith Park on December 16th at 7:00 am registration to compete for the prize money and awards. With $5,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, it will be a fast race to the finish for the 5K and 10K runs. For those who prefer a breezier pace, there is a 5K walk. And for the younger participants, ages 6 and under, there will be a “Kiddie Fun-Run” (all children will receive a “winner’s ribbon” and a complimentary DVD for participating). Councilmember Tom LaBonge returns as the Grand Marshall of the race, wielding the megaphone to start the runners. "Drug use is a dead-end activity -- there isn't one positive thing about abusing and using drugs," said Councilmember Tom LaBonge. "That's why races like this one that promotes health sends a positive message to our young people. They need to hear more of these kinds of messages." The Los Angeles Fire Department will also be on hand to help start the race with blasts from the fire engine horn. “The Fire Department always looks forward to being a part of positive community action for the betterment of all our citizens,” said Captain Armando Hogan of the Los Angeles Fire Dept. The 5K walk commences at 8:00 a.m., the 5K and 10K runs at 8:15 a.m., and the Kiddie Fun-Run at 8:30 a.m. Highly acclaimed motivational speaker Grant Cardone will be on the main stage speaking. At the finish line, there will be a delicious pancake breakfast for all participants. And a raffle will be held for race registrants with prize give-aways including tickets to the Jay Leno Show (VIP Seating), an acoustic guitar autographed by Daryl Hall and John Oates (Hall & Oates), tickets to local sporting events and much more. The Holiday Classic Race is put on by Team Against Drugs with proceeds benefiting Friends of Narconon, Drug-Free Marshals, and The Boys & Girls Club – three organizations with proven records of effectively educating youth on the harmful effects of drugs. “The Say No to Drugs message aligns with our Boys & Girls Club mission,” said Shanna Warren, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater East Valley. “We appreciate that the Team Against Drugs sought us out to partner in this vital issue.” Nike, Adidas, Symantec, Buena Vista Entertainment, 93.3 JACK FM, Naked Juice, Longo Toyota, Overstock.com, Whole Foods and Warner Bros. are some of the many corporate sponsors contributing to this worthy cause. About Friends of Narconon Friends of Narconon is an international group dedicated to drug prevention education for children in schools. They have delivered educational presentations to thousands of schools using a unique approach which speaks effectively to children. They produce and distribute videos to school systems nationwide that give children the truth about drugs. About Drug-Free Marshals Drug-Free Marshals is an international anti-drug effort aimed at teens and pre-teens with the purpose of equipping them with the truth about drugs so that they can make positive decisions. The program utilizes a highly successful approach which has become an effective grassroots movement across the country. About The Boys & Girls Club The Boys and Girls Club is a national not-for-profit organization with programs and services that promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Their Smart Kids Program helps kids of all ages make smart choices on resisting peer pressure concerning substance abuse.
Article Source: http://www.share.onlypunjab.com
For more information visit www.saynotodrugsrace.org.
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