Sarasota Coalition on Substance Abuse, Inc.

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PRESS RELEASE

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                            JANUARY 25, 2006

  Media please contact:  Curt Lavarello, Executive Director                                            941-922-SAFE [7233]

FSU COACH BOBBY BOWDEN TO SPEAK IN SARASOTA

"Youth and adult leaders to be recognized at local event"

Legendary football coach - BOBBY BOWDEN from Florida State University - holding the title of the "Winningest Collegiate Football Coach ever", will appear in Sarasota at an event honoring adults and youth who have shown outstanding leadership abilities and superior character.  Coach Bowden will be the keynote speaker at the 1st Annual "Sarasota Shining Stars" Scholarship & Recognition Banquet.  The Coach will speak about the importance of role modeling in both communities and schools.  Aside from being a legendary football coach, he is also a nationally known speaker and motivator.  A man known for his dedication to family values, he will speak to those family values, leadership qualities, and of course - football!!

The event scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, 2006 from 6 - 10 pm at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 North Tamiami Trail, is presented by the Sarasota Coalition on Substance Abuse [SCoSA], and will also feature State Representative Ron Reagan, Sarasota Mayor Mary Anne Servian and other local celebrities and governmental officials.

"Our last study showed an overall annual cost of substance abuse to be over 200 million dollars to just Sarasota County - that in itself should be our wakeup call", states Curt Lavarello, SCoSA's Executive Director.  "Substance abuse negatively impacts everyone, the young to the elderly, the poor to the wealthy.  It is incumbent upon all of us to do our part if we hope to reduce its grave impact on our County," continued Lavarello.

Ten high school students will be presented with $1,000 college scholarship awards during the evening for the leadership role they have exhibited, while maintaining a substance free lifestyle.  The Coalition will also name the Sarasota County Citizen of the Year Award to an outstanding adult who has served as a role model to both adults and young people.  The event will also feature a silent auction of sports memorabilia and donated pieces from local businesses and artists.

"This is an opportunity for us to give back to this community", states SCoSA Board Member and Event Chairman David Striplin.  "Local businesses and residents have rallied around this cause and I hope this creates a snowball effect of giving", continues Striplin - who also serves as Senior Vice-President of Investments at GunnAllen Financial in downtown Sarasota.  Those interested in becoming involved as an event sponsor may call Mr. Striplin at [941] 366-0012.

General seating at $50.00 per person and Stage-front seating at $125 per person is available for the event.  Tickets may be purchased at www.SCoSA.org, or by calling 941-922-SAFE.

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