Red Ribbon Week Highlighted at Charity Coalition in Clearwater

CLEARWATER, Fla., Nov. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eighty-five individuals, representing more than 20 charitable groups assembled at the Fort Harrison in Clearwater this past week in honor of Red Ribbon Week. After a short networking time, guests were invited to sit and enjoy a three course meal and an educational program.

After a short welcome speech, Lisa Mansell – the Community Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology talked about the origin of Red Ribbon Week, which is held the last week in October every year. The event began in 1985, in commemoration DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, who was killed in the line of duty that year.

Ms. Mansell then introduced the "Truth About Drugs" program, one of the social betterment programs developed by the Church of Scientology. The program is secular, and is used by 1,200 organizations, governments and law enforcement agencies around the world.

One such organization is the Hernando County Women's Institution in Brooksville. Looking for a program to educate the inmates on the dangers of drugs, Mr. Andre Buford, who was the Educational Director of the prison at the time, learned of the "Truth About Drugs" and then arranged for inmates themselves to teach the program to other inmates.

"Truth About Drugs" consists of a documentary film, featuring real-life experiences from former addicts, as well as booklets that cover the most commonly abused substances, even prescription medication.

Mr. Buford spoke of how the program helped hundreds of the inmates to take responsibility for their lives and understand the dangers of drugs. He then gave an impassioned plea for everyone in the room to help educate young people about the dangers of abuse.

Following Mr. Buford's talk, guest speakers Aaron Fodiman and Margaret Word Burnside, publishers of Tampa Bay Magazine and well-experienced with the workings of charitable groups answered questions from the guests on how to build a good board of directors, raise funds and produce events.

The presentation was well received, and after announcing that the next Charity Coalition Luncheon will be on the 19^th of November, Ms. Mansell invited guests to stay and network.

The Fort Harrison Religious Retreat:
The Fort Harrison is the international religious retreat for the Church of Scientology, which globally supports social betterment programs. Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology is a religion that offers a precise path leading to a complete and certain understanding of one's true spiritual nature and one's relationship toself, family, groups, Mankind, all life forms, the material universe, the spiritual universe and the Supreme Being.

Contact: Pat Harney
(727) 467-6860

SOURCE Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization