May 2014 Newsletter | notMYkid.org

May 28, 2014

In This Issue

notMYkid Updates

Parent Strategies: An Honest Conversation About Alcohol

notMYkid in the Community

notMYkid Updates

notMYkid Celebrates a Record-Breaking Year

We did it! Because of your support, notMYkid was able to take the message of positive life choices to over 300 schools this year, shattering our previous record of 201. During the 2013-2014 school year, we've had the opportunity to deliver 671 presentations, reaching 88,517 students as well as 5,361 parents and school faculty members.

With our increased reach has come the chance to help more families than ever before. It helps us ensure that kids are equipped with the behavioral health tools and resources they need, and that parents and school faculty are informed and educated on the challenges facing today's youth. Once again, it was only because you made it possible. To all of you who support our ongoing mission: Thank You!

Have a look at our year-end recap video to see just how inspiring this year was.

Parent Strategies

Having lost his son Kevin to alcohol poisoning, Barry Adkins has dedicated his life to using his experience to help others avoid a similar situation. In this video, Barry offers his perspective to both parents and teens. For parents, he emphasizes the importance of having honest conversations with kids about the dangers of alcohol. For teens, he discusses having a plan in place to be prepared for situations involving peer pressure. This video is something that both groups need to see.

Visit Barry's website to learn more and to learn more about Barry's book, "Kevin's Last Walk."

notMYkid in the Community

"Taste of Discovery" Gala Raises $318,000 for notMYkid

You came, you dined, you danced, you laughed, and you had a great time. In the end, you raised more than $318,000 for notMYkid's prevention education programs. For all of those reasons, this year's 10th-annual notMYkid gala was a tremendous success. Thank you to all of you who made it such a special evening.

We did our best to capture the spirit and energy of the night in this gala recap video.

Year-End Event Educates and Inspires Parents & Teens

On Tuesday, May 13th, notMYkid hosted a special year-end educational event at the notMYkid office in Scottsdale. The event featured two special guest speakers: Miss Grand Canyon, Hannah Morgan, and substance abuse Peer Educator Gordie from notMYkid's amplif(i) speaker program. Each talked about the devastating effects that substance abuse had on their lives and families, with Hannah sharing her brother's story, and Gordie discussing his own. Those in attendance were also given family substance abuse prevention plans and free home drug test kits from First Check. We would like to thank our guest speakers, their families, and all who attended.

This event was the second in our new series of educational community events held at the notMYkid office. Due to the success and popularity of the first two, we are looking to expand the series to six times a year. Information on upcoming educational events will be sent via email and posted on notMYkid social media, as dates are confirmed.

notMYkid May 2014 Donor Spotlight: Fiesta Bowl Charities

This month, notMYkid would like to recognize Fiesta Bowl Charities for their generous contribution to benefit notMYkid's prevention education programs. Due to our involvement with helping the youth of Arizona, notMYkid was selected by Fiesta Bowl Charities as one of 22 local nonprofits to receive a grant. The grant, in the amount of $16,800, is a tremendous help and will allow us to continue to reach even more students, parents, and educators than ever before. Thank you, Fiesta Bowl Charities!

You make it possible for notMYkid to take a message of hope and positive life choices to students, parents, and educators in Arizona. It's because of your generosity that notMYkid is able to reach so many young people across the state and prevent the pain, sorrow, and even death that can result from destructive youth behaviors.

Your donation is tax-deductible. Please click the button above to support notMYkid's prevention education programs.

At notMYkid, we inspire positive life choices by educating our community about the consequences of destructive youth behaviors. Young adults who have overcome life-controlling addictions and behaviors share their personal stories with middle and high school students. In an effort to promote our prevention message we educate adults on the same addictions and destructive behaviors. Our goal is to increase awareness of the challenges kids face, provide information, and offer resources to support the success of students, families, and educators.

Stay Connected with notMYkid

notMYkid | 602-652-0163 | communications@notmykid.org | http://www.notmykid.org
5230 East Shea Boulevard
Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85254