Thanks for help to make event successful

To the editor:

The Mat-Su Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition hosted a community barbecue Saturday to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse. The event took place at Wonderland Park and was entirely planned by youth.

This was an opportunity to empower them to take the lead on this grassroots initiative to engage in positive peer pressure to challenge social norms around the party lifestyle and emphasize healthy choices that lead to success. Mat-Su residents were invited to this community event for free food, fun and entertainment in this expression of our vision to enhance our community by supporting healthy lifestyles and drug-free alternatives.

We had a large turnout, with an estimated 200 people, mostly youth, in attendance. On behalf of the coalition and United Way of Mat-Su, I would like to formally thank the following volunteers and sponsors for the time and donations that made this event a huge success: Karen Salisbury, Jessica Tremaine, Anfisa Kuzmin, Cody Pepitone, Sherry Butters, Travis Wilkerson, Philip Licht, Kevin Licht, Cherie LeBlanc-Shue, James Compton, Lindsey McKay and Kellsy Bond.

Thanks also to these sponsors: United Way of Mat-Su, 100.9 Country Legends, Army National Guard, the band Confusion, Mat-Su BBQ, Nugen’s Ranch, Set-Free Alaska, Mat-Su Water, Wal-Mart, Carrs and Three Bears.

Your time is truly valued. I look forward to working with you all in the future. To learn more about the coalition, or United Way of Mat-Su, please contact Desiree at 373-5818.

Desiree Compton

United Way of Mat-Su