FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Jennifer Baylis
207-233-5398 (cell)
jbaylis@sadd.org

MASSACHUSETTS SADD IS
PUTTING SAFETY INTO DRIVE FOR ANOTHER 25!

Mayor Thomas Menino and Survivor: Africa Winner Ethan Zohn
To Speak at Large-Scale Safety Fair and Press Event

BOSTON (July 17, 2006) -SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) is turning 25! Hundreds of students from across the country have come together in Boston to celebrate SADD’s 25-year history – and get revved up for the future. "Putting SAFETY Into DRIVE for Another 25," which will close out the 2006 SADD National Conference, will take place at Boston’s City Hall Plaza on Monday, July 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This is a chance for the public to learn more about the key issues teens face every day, witness the revolutionary work that SADD students are doing nationwide, and be part of the festivities.

"Through support from the Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau, a program of the Executive Office of Public Safety, 11 youth leaders from the Commonwealth have been working hard to plan this event," Julie Cushing, Massachusetts Youth Program Director, said. "They’re determined to make the Safety Fair a very memorable experience for everyone who attends."

The event will feature interactive and educational exhibits, live entertainment, and a special appearance by the New England Revolution’s "street team" and mascot. A press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Mayor Thomas M. Menino will provide opening remarks.

"I am delighted to be here to celebrate SADD's 25th anniversary, and I am proud that the City of Boston is playing an important role in your efforts to enhance and strengthen SADD's important message," Mayor Menino said. "Like SADD, I believe in the ability of our young people to be good leaders and, working together, we can continue to build a bright future for our young people."

Ethan Zohn, winner of the CBS reality series Survivor: Africa, co-founder of Grassroot Soccer and director of Kick AIDS, will speak about youth leadership and the importance of giving back to the community.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be presenting an award, congratulating SADD for its 25 years of success. SADD National Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Wallace will also be honored by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Deputy Director Mary Ann Solberg will present Mr. Wallace with a certificate of recognition for the work he has done for ONDCP and his tireless efforts in fighting teen substance abuse.

Founded as Students Against Driving Drunk in 1981 in Wayland, Massachusetts, SADD has grown to become the nation’s premier peer-to-peer youth education and prevention organization with 10,000 chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges. In 1997, in response to requests from SADD students themselves, SADD expanded its mission and now sponsors chapters called Students Against Destructive Decisions. SADD continues to endorse a firm "No Use" message related to use of alcohol and other drugs. SADD now highlights prevention of all destructive behaviors and attitudes that are harmful to young people, including underage drinking, substance abuse, impaired driving, and teen violence and suicide. More information about SADD is available at www.sadd.org.

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