Backup Documents 10/14/2014 Item # 4C 4
C
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Red Wa/k is an established provider of one-to-one youth involvement and has addressed
the importance of drug awareness for the past eleven years; and,
WHEREAS, the Red Wa/k provides adult mentors to thousands of children in Collier County's public and
private schools; and,
WHEREAS, the Red Walk was developed as part of the Red Ribbon Activities established by the
Substance Abuse Coalition of Collier County, as well as the Collier County Public School
System, in association with the National Drug Awareness Campaign to be presented between
October 23-31, 2014; and,
WHEREAS, national research has shown that the positive messages supported by drug-free activities help
form strong bonds between youth and their communities leading to a direct, measurable and
lasting impact on children's lives, and that these children are more likely to improve their
grades and their relationships with families and peers while being less likely to skip school,
use illegal drugs or'alcohol or become involved in criminal activity; and,
WHEREAS, locally, the Red Wa/k has been bringing caring adults and community organizations into the
lives of children for ten years and is the only drug awareness walking program in Southwest;
and,
WHEREAS, supporting the Red Walk's message of total community involvement in using local student
organizations, volunteer groups and professional institutions as positive models for a healthy
and drug-free lifestyle in Florida's ongoing effort to recruit and match caring adult mentors
with children in our community is an investment that pays immediate dividends as well as
dividends in the future; and
WHEREAS, on Friday, October 24, 2014, the Red Walk will host its fifteenth anniversary trek on and
near the campus of Lely Elementary School from 8:30 a.m.' to 1:30 p.m. emphasizing the
importance of awareness and positive choices in our lives and celebrating the imperative
message of good character building.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida that
October 24, 2014 be designated as
THE FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY DAY OF THE RED WALK IN:COLLIER COUNTY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 14th Day of October 2014.
BOARD OF OUNTY OMMISSIONERS
COL E OUNTY LORIDA
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Tom Henning, CHAIRMAN