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Announcing Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 10th Annual
Ian James Eaccarino Memorial 9 Mile Race
Ginger Katz, CEO & Founder
You are invited to join us as a supporter of the Tenth Annual Ian James Eaccarino Memorial 9-Mile Race on Saturday, July 26 starting at 8:00am at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk. The race is sponsored by the Lightfoot Running Club, Patriot National Bank, The Hour Newspaper, Norwalk Recreation and Parks Department, Booth Financial Associates, Sandra and William Bennett, Kaiser-Battistone, Stew Leonard's, WSTC 1400/WNLK 1350 and Cook Associates Your Company Store.
My husband, Larry, and I have been members of Lightfoot Running Club for over 26 years. The club suggested this race be dedicated in memory of our son, Ian, as he worked at Calf Pasture beach the summer before he died. Ian personally planted many of the trees that now line our beautiful beach.
We had more than 150 runners in this extraordinary community race last year. It is an event that underscores the importance of passion, commitment, and a healthy drug-free lifestyle. That is an important part of our message to young people through our work on behalf of The Courage to Speak Foundation. Your donation for the race will help raise awareness of the dangers of drugs in our schools, workplaces, and communities. You empower youth to be drug free. You encourage parents to communicate the dangers of substance abuse and misuse to their children. You may save a life in the process.
Let me share our story and why we remain committed to the race and our cause. I was a new member of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, a commissioner on the Norwalk Planning Commission, a wife, and a mother of two children a little over 12 years ago. Ian had graduated from Norwalk High School and had begun college. In February, 1996, he called asking us for help. He had become addicted to drugs and couldn't stop. We brought him home to get help and believed we were on track with his recovery. He had his whole life ahead of him.
In early September that year, Ian enrolled at UCONN, near our home, and on Tuesday, September 10, he died of a drug overdose. Our lives changed forever. Addiction does not discriminate. It doesn't matter who you are, what race you are, how financially sound you are, or whether or not your family loves you totally. Sadly, it can happen to anyone.
After Ian s death, Dewey Amos at Norwalk High School and my priest at St. Thomas Church, asked me to speak to children and parents in the community about what had happened to us and how simply Ian s life could have been saved. Since then, we have presented our story to over half a million people across the country. The Foundation has developed elementary, middle, and high school curricula that are helping children in our Norwalk schools. We added a new five-session parent education program, Courageous Parenting 101, earlier this year with over 100 parents attending and 21 facilitators trained.
We need your support to help us save a child, save a family, and build a healthier community. Please consider becoming a Friend of the race with a gift of $100, a Bronze Sponsor ($250), a Silver Sponsor ($500), a Gold Sponsor ($1,000), or a Platinum Sponsor ($2,500), or what ever you can. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our children. For more information call 1-877-431-3295. Our race flyer Click here
Sincerely,
Ginger Katz
March 24, 2008
"The Courage to Speak
Empowering Youth to be Drug Free Family Night 2008"
Took place at West Rock Middle School, 81 West
Rocks Middle School, Norwalk, CT on March 24, 2008 -
doors were open at 5:30 pm. For more information,
call 1-877-431-3295.
The event was open to families from Norwalk and
ALL other communities. The evening
included the Courage to Speak Presentation for
Parents and Students. On display were the
remarkable prevention posters and collages created
by the children during the Courage To Speak drug
prevention classes. The Courage To Speak Drug
Prevention Curriculum is helping fourth and seventh
graders to become outstanding prevention advocates
and mentors for their younger siblings.
Speakers included Mayor Richard Moccia, Chief of
Police, Harry Rilling and Dr. Salvatore Corda,
Norwalk Superintendent of Schools. Courage To Speak
Community Leadership and Recognition Awards was
also being presented. Snow date March 31, 2007.
Dinner donated by Wild Oats of Westport, CT.
Sunny's Story written by Ginger Katz was available at this event. See press release about the
book
here. See the invitation
letter
here. See the sponsorship form
here.
Courageous Parenting 101
Program...sign up now
Ginger Katz, founder and CEO of The
Courage to Speak Foundation, has announced plans to
launch a new four-session substance abuse prevention
and education program, called
Courageous
Parenting 101.
The new program targets and is designed for parents
using the Courage to Speak model and philosophy as a
touchstone. It will have its inaugural run at West
Rock Middle School in Norwalk with the parent series
starting January 15 following a traditional Courage
to Speak Presentation on January 8, 2008. Courageous
Parenting will be open to parents from throughout
the community free of charge.
For more information, please see
the
Parent Registration Form.
Special training for facilitators who will lead the
new program will take place on January 10.
For more information, please see
the
Facilitators Application Form.
See attached
press release,
newspaper article #1 and
newspaper article #2.
Call 877- 431- 3295 for more information.
Saturday July
28, 2007 - Kayak for a Cause
Nautica/GQ Kayak For A
Cause
VII was created as a way to
blend the love of the sport with the commitment
to helping good causes like
Courage to Speak
Foundation which is proud to be a
beneficiary again this year. The mission of the
Courage To Speak Foundation is to "Save
Lives by Empowering Youth to be Drug Free."
Each year, kayakers join together to cross Long
Island Sound and raise funds
for their favorite charities, most of which work
to protect our local waters, our environment,
and our community. Even if you've never picked
up a paddle, you can help by supporting our
paddlers and donating.
Nautica/GQ Kayak For A
Cause
VII created an amazing visual last
August at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk,
Connecticut as nearly 300
kayakers, including three Courage to Speak board
members - Kileen Doyle,
Peter Corbett and Jim Sibley – lined
up along the shore to make the 12-13-mile trek
across Long Island Sound raising money for our
own, The Courage To
Speak Foundation, Cancer Care, Hole
in the Wall Camp, Outward Bound, and Save
the Sound.
Nautica/GQ Kayak For A Cause
VII
was founded
seven years ago by co-founders, Miles Spencer
and Scott Carlin with their commitment to
helping good causes.
"Part of our mission is to help
forward the good work of organizations in
our community", said Miles Spencer, Co-Founder
of Kayak for a Cause. "We are proud to have
played a small role in what Courage to Speak has
accomplished since we began our support a few
years ago."
We are blessed to be part of this extraordinary
community event, as the funding we receive will
help us reach more children and parents, and
perhaps save a life. There are several levels of
giving that permit donors like you to become an
integral and intimate part of the event. Join us
up close and personal on July 28th. Call Ginger
Katz at 877 431 3295 or e-mail
gkcourage@aol.com
to volunteer at Kayak
for a Cause or other community and
school events.
Click
here
to watch a video clip about Kayak for a Cause
(FOX Channel 6).
Photos from Launch 2006:
Kileen Doyle Kayaker for Kayak for a Cause and
Courage to Speak board member
Saturday Morning Launch
Saturday,
July 28, 2007
- 9th Annual Ian James Eaccarino Memorial 9 Mile Race
The Lightfoot Running Club and the Parks and
Recreation Department of Norwalk are dedicating the
9 Mile Race in memory of Ian James Eaccarino.
The Ian James
Eaccarino Memorial Race will be held Saturday, July 28,
2007 at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk at 8 am. So
far our sponsors include the Lightfoot Running Club,
Norwalk Park and Recreation Department and Spinelli's Not Just Bagels and Cook Print of
Norwalk.
Larry and Ginger Katz co founders of The Courage To
Speak Foundation, Inc. have been members of
Lightfoot Running Club for over 25 years. If was
suggested that this race be dedicated in Ian's
memory because he worked at the beach the summer
before he died and he planted many of the trees that
align the beach.
Last year over 150 runners participated in the eight
annual race. The first place winner was Jim Buchanan
with a time of 52.55. Jim stated that as he
approached the finish line he was in awe of the fact
that he was accomplishing a goal that had eluded him
for 8 years. Something he had always wanted for Ian
namely to win the race for him. A plaque was given
to Jay LeBlanc, age 20, with a time of 1:05:54 as he
crossed the finish line as the youngest participant
in the race to underscore the importance of a
healthy lifestyle.
A donation of a $1,000 was given by Don Capon,
President of the Lightfoot Running Club to The
Courage To Speak Foundation, Inc. which is a non
profit organization committed to raising awareness
about the dangers of drugs in many communities,
workplaces and schools. The Courage To Speak mission
is to empower youth to be drug free and encourage
parents to communicate the dangers of substance use
to their children.
.
(L to R) 1st pace finisher Jim Buchanan, Ginger Katz, Jay
LeBlanc and Larry Katz. Jay, last years youngest finisher, age 20, was awarded
the Ian Eaccarino 9 mile plaque to encourage youth to find healthy passions in
their lives and follow one's dream.
March 6, 2007
"The Courage to Speak Empowering Youth to be Drug Free Family Night 2007"
at West Rock Middle School on
March 6 - doors open 5:30 pm. For more information,
call 1-877-431-3295.
The event will be open to families from Norwalk and other communities. The evening will include the Courage to Speak Presentation for Parents and Students. On display will be the remarkable prevention posters and collages created by the children during the Courage To Speak drug prevention classes.
The Courage To Speak Drug Prevention Curriculum is helping fourth and seventh graders to become outstanding prevention advocates and mentors for their younger siblings.
Speakers include Mayor Richard Moccia, Chief of Police, Harry Rilling and Dr. Salvatore Corda, Norwalk Superintendent of Schools. Courage To Speak Community Leadership and Recognition Awards will also be presented.
Snow date March 13, 2007.
Dinner donated by Wild Oats of Westport, CT.
Sunny's Story, our new book, will be available at this event. See press release about the book
here.
September 27, 2006 - A Gift from Kayak for a Cause
On September 27, 2006, Mile Spenser, co founder of Kayak for a Cause visited Ponus Ridge Middle School and listened to The Courage To Speak presentation to all the seventh graders. He presented a donation to Ginger Katz, Founder of the organization for the development and continuation of The Courage To Speak Drug Prevention Programs for elementary and middle school children. "We are grateful to Miles Spenser and Ryan Moran and all the board of directors of Kayak for a Cause and thank them for their generous donation and dedication to our mission." Visit
www.kayakforacause.com
August 5,
2006 -
8th Annual Ian’s Memorial 9 Miler Road Race
 Ginger and Larry Katz have been members of the Lightfoot Running Club for over 25 years. After Ian’s death the club decided to have yearly trophy race in Ian’s memory in association with the Recreation and Parks Department of Norwalk. A special trophy is given to the youngest participant in the race to underscore the importance of kids finding their passion. Click here for the
brochure.
Saturday July 29, 2006 - Kayak for a Cause
Kayak for A Cause was created as a way to blend the love of the sport with the commitment to helping good causes. Each year, kayakers join together to cross Long Island Sound and raise money for their favorite charities and most of which work to protect our local waters, environment and community. Even if you've never picked up a paddle, you can help by supporting our paddlers and donating.
Kayak For A Cause event created an amazing visual at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, CT last August, as about 200 kayakers—including three of our board members - Kileen Doyle, Peter Corbett and Jim Sibley well line up along the shore to make the 12-to 13-mile trek across Long Island Sound, raising money for six area charities including The Courage To Speak Foundation, Inc. We are blessed to be part of this because this funding will help us reach more children and Parents. Some of the money will be used to develop our prevention program for fourth-graders. Please click here for more info
Call Ginger Katz at
877 431 3295 for volunteer and other information and go to www.kayakforacause.com
Thursday, JUNE 8, 2006 - Vigil For Lost Promise: Remembering Those Who Have Died From Drugs
Families Take Part in First National Candlelight Vigil for “Lost Promises”
Ginger Katz, President and Founder of the Courage To Speak delivers her presentation at the Vigil for Lost Promise.
(Washington, D.C) The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosted the first-ever Candlelight Vigil Thursday, June 8th at DEA Headquarters in Arlington, VA. The “Vigil for Lost Promise” was the first of its kind remembrance – of those who have died from drugs, and the first of its kind of hope: hope and confidence that our work is shielding others from the great tragedy of drugs.
Dr. Lonise Bias joined other parents in sharing her story, twenty years after the cocaine-related death of her son, Len, a Maryland basketball player who died in 1986 just two days after being the second overall selection in the NBA draft.
Over 500 people take part in first-ever National Vigil for Lost Promise.
The Vigil was co-sponsored by CADCA, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and Ginger Katz, President of the Courage to Speak Foundation, who acted as the Honorary Chairperson for the event. Eight families who have suffered the loss of a loved one to drugs also attended the Vigil, representing all of those who have lost family members, friends and children.
Every life, especially a young life, extinguished or derailed by substance abuse, is a tragic loss of promise and potential that we as individuals, community members, and a society cannot afford,” said Dr. Nora D. Volkow, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health. “We must therefore strengthen efforts to educate our families and communities about the lessons we’ve learned from drug abuse prevention and treatment research—including the special dangers faced by adolescents. The Vigil for Lost Promise helps call attention to this need and stem the tide of suffering and loss that substance abuse extends to us all.”
Over 500 people take part in first-ever National Vigil for Lost Promise. Above is Ginger and Larry Katz at the "Vigil for Lost Promise."
The eight families touched by the loss of a child or sibling to drugs came together to plan the vigil with the goal of putting a human face on the tragedy caused by drug abuse. In “An Open Letter to Families Everywhere” the families write “We belong to a club that none of us ever wanted to join. We are the parents and siblings of young people who died too soon because of drugs. Their promise was extinguished long before it could be shared with the world. We are ordinary people who are your neighbors, your co-workers and members of your house of worship. We love our children and tried to be the best parents we could be. But drugs took them from us. Some days the grief is still unbearable.”
Imelda Perez addresses the audience about her sister Irma during the event.
In addition to Ginger Katz (Connecticut), the letter is authored by Francine Haight (California) who lost her son Ryan to prescription drugs ordered over the Internet; Don and Gwen Hooton (Texas) whose son Taylor committed suicide after steroid use; Kim and Marissa Manlove (Indiana) who lost their son David to inhalant abuse; Kate Patton (Illinois) whose daughter Kelley died from an Ecstasy overdose; David Pease (Connecticut) the father of Dave who was lost to heroin and Casey who died in an alcohol-related accident; Imelda Perez, sister of Irma who died from Ecstasy at age 14; and Linda Surks, whose son Jason ordered prescription drugs over the Internet and died as a result of an overdose.
The
Date for DEA National Vigil is Announced
 Director of DEA Catherine Harnett announces the DEA National Vigil to be held in Washington DC Thursday, June 8, 2006. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about the damages drug do to our society. See link at top of page.
L to R...Larry and Ginger Katz, Catherine Harnett, Director of DEA, Linda Surks and Marissa Manlove.
Tuesday, MARCH 7, 2006 -
The 2nd
Annual Courage To Speak "Empowering Youth to Be Drug Free" Family Night
 A unique and very special feature of The Courage To Speak Curriculum Programs. Children, parents, teachers and community leaders come together to see what the children have learned in the programs and talk together honestly— perhaps for the first time—about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs. Click here to email a request for more information.
Photo: Student/daughter Martha and Mother Danuat Korythowska review art work as a result of The Courage To Speak drug prevention curriculum and presentation.
West Rocks Middle School
81 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT
Dinner from 5:30 PM
Hear from Norwalk’s Seventh Graders about their Drug Prevention work with the Courage To Speak Middle School Curriculum. Learn How Together We Are Saving Young Lives!
Emcee for the Evening
Deputy Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero
Featured Speakers
Mayor Richard Moccia
Norwalk Deputy Chief of Police – Mark Palmer
School Superintendent – Dr. Salvator Corda
Our special guests include
Dr. Thomas Kirk, Commissioner of Addiction Services and Mental Health of CT
June Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge of the New England Division of the DEA from MA
followed by
The Courage to Speak presentation by Ginger Katz
For more information call
877 431 3295
February 24 & 25, 2006 - Fairfield County Bank Charity Coin Drive
The Fairfield County Bank, which maintains branches in Norwalk, Darien, Rowayton and Fairfield CT., is sponsoring a Charity Coin Drive, raising funds for worthwhile causes in the area. The next drive will occur on Friday, February 24th and Saturday, February 25th. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Courage To Speak Foundation. Anyone who brings coins to be counted and exchanged (at the Rowayton or Wall Street Offices) during these two days, has the opportunity to donate part or all of their "coin savings" to The Courage to Speak Foundation. The bank will match each donation up to $300.
We hope to see you there! 2005
Basketball Classic Event
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Ginger’s
favorite sport from childhood has been BASKETBALL!
The Courage To Speak Basketball Classic has become a
favorite in Norwalk. A continually evolving
basketball tournament, it reaches thousands of
people with the Courage to Speak's message and helps
raise funds for its programs. Now its sixth year,
the Basketball Classic has received extensive local
and national media coverage including NBC's "NBA
Inside Stuff." |
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This event has something for everyone.
During The “Battle of the Sexes” rubber match, the
Hot Shots --Ginger’s all-women team -- and a men’s
team of community leaders including Norwalk’s mayor
and police chief square off for a rollicking
competition. This
competition has been going on for years to the great
enjoyment of its fans. It takes place during half
time of the All Star High School Girls Basketball
Tournament, featuring Connecticut’s best young women
players, selected by their coaches. Everyone is
invited to get into the act with Foul shooting
contests with prizes for all ages from peewee to
adults. Click here to
email a request for more information.
Look for the next Basketball Classic in:
October, 2006.
Top photo: The
CT Senior Olympics Hot Shots.
Bottom photo: Norwalk, Chief of Police Harry
Rilling and Ginger Katz at the Courage To Speak All
Star Basketball Classic. |
5th
Annual Kayak for a Cause
 The fifth annual Kayak For A Cause event created an amazing visual at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, CT last August, as about 200 kayakers—including two of our board members!—lined up along the shore to make the 12-to 13-mile trek across Long Island Sound, raising money for six area charities including The Courage To Speak. We were blessed to be part of this because this funding will help us reach more children and Parents. Some of the money will be used to develop our prevention program for fourth-graders. Click here to send an email for more information.
Look for the next Kayak for a Cause: August 2006
Photo: Ryan Moron, Kayak for a Cause and Ginger and Larry Katz. Kayak for a Cause donated $18,000 to The Courage To Speak Foundation, Inc. The Courage To Speak Legislative and Community Breakfast 2005
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This exciting event, sponsored by Webster Bank, kicked off our 10th anniversary year of empowering youth to be drug free. Over 100 state and local legislators, educators, business leaders, parents, agency representatives and clergy attended the event to hear Robert C. Charles, former assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement under Colin Powell give a national overview about drugs and the importance of prevention programs. The audience was riveted by Mr. Charles talk and stunned by the sobering statistics he offered. He has been a mentor to the Courage To Speak for several years.
At the event, Dr. Thomas Kirk, Connecticut’s Commissioner for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, read a Proclamation from Governor Jody Rell commending our work and naming October 26 Courage To Speak Day. The audience learned about our local situation from the Mayor, Chief of Police and from a middle school principal, teacher and student about the effectiveness of The Courage To Speak school-based programs. Click here to email a request for more information.
Look for the next Legislative and Community Breakfast: October 2006
Top photo: Keynote speaker, Bobby Charles, former Assistant to the Secretary of State under Colin Powell.
Bottom photo: Peter Corbett, board member CTS; Robert Charles, Keynote speaker; Ginger Katz; State Rep Larry Cafero, and Co-Founder Larry Katz.
Connecticut PTA Presidents Convention
2005
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In May 2005, Ginger made her presentation before the statewide convention of PTA presidents. She emphasized the importance of parents and schools working together to help children learn to make healthy choices.
Photo: Ginger Katz, CT PTA Keynote speaker, featured on CT New Channel 3. |
| 2005 CADCA Youth Conference |
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In January 2005 Ginger Katz gave the kick-off presentation for CADCA’s youth conference. CADCA, Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America in Washington, DC. In February 2006, The Courage To Speak will have a booth at CADCA.
Click here for CADCA’s website. |
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Top photo: General Arthur Dean, CEO of CADCA and Ginger Katz
Bottom photo: Sharon Smith, President of Momstell (L) and Ginger Katz, President of Courage to Speak Foundation are joined by General Arthur Dean, Chairman and CEO of CADCA |
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2004 DEA Event in NY |
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In 2004 in New York City, the national Drug Enforcement Administration opened its “Target America” prevention museum exhibition at Times Square. Ginger was asked to represent parents who had lost children to drugs at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and to speak at the press conference along with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Click here for the DEA website. |
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Top photo: Larry and Ginger Katz and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Bottom photo: Norwalk-based organization joined Karen Tandy, Chief Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), White House drug czar John Walters, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and and Nora Volcoff (NIDA), at ribbon-cutting ceremony for three-story DEA exhibit dedicated to educating Americans on the dangers and effects of drug us. |
The Partnership for a Drug Free America Annual Conference 2004
Ginger Katz Keynote Speaker "Breaking the code of silence around addiction" at the "The Partnership for a Drug Free America - Opening Eyes" State/City Alliance Program & Volunteer Network, Leadership Conference & Skills Training at the Grand Hyatt New York City.
See page 5 of the PDFA Newsletter 2004.
Norwalk Drug Forfeiture Money Press Conference:
 In 2004, Harry Rilling, Chief of the Norwalk Police Department, announced that the department would use part of the money it receives from the national drug forfeiture money fund to support the Courage To Speak Drug Prevention Curriculum for Middle Schools, a gift it has repeated in 2005.
Photo: Dr. Sal Corda, Norwalk Superintendent of Schools; former Mayor Alex Knopp; Norwalk Chief of Police, Harry Rilling; Ginger Katz; Larry Katz and former board member Emil Albanese.
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