15th Annual Courage to Speak Family Night

A complimentary dinner will be served at 5:30pm and program begins at 6:30pm. All communities are invited.

The Courage to Speak Foundation was founded by Ginger and Larry Katz in 1996 after their son, Ian, died of an accidental heroin and prescription drug overdose. Since then, it has been their mission to do everything in their power to prevent this tragedy from happening to another family. This marks the 22nd year of fulfilling that mission.

This exciting event will spotlight the outstanding work and words of students who participate in the Courage to Speak Foundation’s curricula in their schools taught by the health class teachers. Norwalk’s Mayor Harry Rilling, Norwalk Chief of Police, Thomas Kulhawik and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steven Adamowski will introduce the students who take the microphone and speak out with their vows not to use drugs. The evening’s guest speaker will be Steven Hernández, Esq., the Executive Director for the Commission on Women, Children and Seniors. Ponus Middle School Principal, Dr. Damon Lewis, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

On display will be the remarkable artwork created by the students during their drug prevention. Highlights of the event include the students' readings of their drug prevention messages and the Courage to Speak Presentation for parents and students by Ginger Katz and CEO & Founder of the Courage to Speak Foundation and Carlos Reinoso Jr., MSMOL, BHCC.

Our sponsors to date include, Platinum: Gway Graphics, Norwalk Public Schools Gold: Norwalk Police Department, Norwalk Pizza and Pasta, TD Bank. Silver: The Bennett Family, Diageo, The Gilberston Family. Friends of the event: Accurate Auto Repair, Aitoro Appliances, Blue Cactus Grill, BJ Ryan’s Banc House, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Braach’s Flowers, Bruce’s Flowers, Crystal Restoration, Don Carmelo’s, Diamond Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, Fischel Properties, Jimmy’s Deli, Jordan’s Pizza, Linda Stubbs, O’Neills Pub, Outback Steak House, Partner’s Café, Regina Trimble, Silvermine Golf Club, Stew Leonard’s, West Rocks Shell and Valentinos Cucina Restaurant. .

For more information about the event, to become a sponsor and volunteer, visit www.couragetospeak.org call 1-203-831-9700, or email Ginger Katz at gkatz@couragetospeak.org

About The Courage to Speak Foundation:

The Courage To Speak Foundation, Inc. exists to save lives by empowering youth to be drug free through fostering education and open communication about the dangers of drug use. Ginger Katz founded the nonprofit organization in 1996, just months after her 20 year old son, Ian James Eaccarino, died of a drug overdose. She and her husband, Larry, pledged to do everything in their power to help prevent such a tragedy from happening to another family. The Courage To Speak Foundation spearheaded the development of drug prevention curricula for elementary (based on Sunny's Story), middle and high school students as well as for parents through Courage to Speak - Courageous Parenting 101, "Parenting Through the Opioid Crisis and Beyond.". Ms. Katz has given nearly 1,000 presentations to over a million young people and the adults who care about them. Please visit www.couragetospeak.org

Register for this FREE event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-courage-to-speak-15th-annual-family-night-tickets-57996886248