Pubdate: Wed, 24 May 2006 Source: Okotoks Western Wheel (CN AB) Copyright: 2006, Okotoks Western Wheel Contact: http://www.westernwheel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1638 Author: Pat Fream, Contributor Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) 'DARE TO LAUGH' IN SUPPORT OF DARE PROGRAM "He who laughs -- lasts!" This quip made by Mary Pettibone Poole may fit us all, but one can't help but wonder if parenthood wasn't the underlying theme: Laugh and you and your kids may just survive this zany adventure. Nowadays, the challenges facing parents and communities to keep kids safe and help them grow up healthy and secure, are far greater than ever before. But this community has made bold strides in the area of recognizing the pressures kids face, and meeting the challenges head on. DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a prime example. DARE is a one-of-a-kind life skills program delivered to all students in the Foothills School Division. Supported solely by local stakeholders, the 10-session program is tailored to kids in Grades 6 and 8 and is taught by specially trained police officers. DARE provides kids with credible information about substance abuse, violence and vandalism; teaches critical skills for resisting peer pressure and dangerous situations; and offers positive alternatives to self-destructive activities. In addition to having a measurable impact on kids' choices, DARE fosters positive contact between kids and authority figures, and unites parents, teachers and police officers in a common goal of investing in today's youth. Now back to the business of 'laughing and lasting.' To celebrate seven years of substantial support and notable success, and to ensure the ongoing delivery of this stellar drug awareness program, DARE invites all of its parents, teachers and community stakeholders to come out to its third annual comedy fundraiser. 'Dare to Laugh' will be held at the Foothills Centennial Centre at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 2. Calgary's Loose Moose Theatre as well as two local high school improv teams will serve up great comedy, while Good Times Catering serves up hot h'ors d'oeuvres. The event will also include a silent auction to raise funds for the ongoing delivery of the Foothills DARE Program. Tickets are $40 per person and those who purchase a table of eight will . . . well . . . have eight times the fun. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Geoff Carpenter at 601-1616 or Laurie McCreary Burke at 933-4532. Remember: Parental laughter is advised. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake