'DARE TO LAUGH' IN SUPPORT OF DARE PROGRAM

"He who laughs -- lasts!"

This quip made by Mary Pettibone Poole may fit us all, but one can't
help but wonder if parenthood wasn't the underlying theme: Laugh and
you and your kids may just survive this zany adventure.

Nowadays, the challenges facing parents and communities to keep kids
safe and help them grow up healthy and secure, are far greater than
ever before.

But this community has made bold strides in the area of recognizing
the pressures kids face, and meeting the challenges head on. DARE
(Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a prime example.

DARE is a one-of-a-kind life skills program delivered to all students
in the Foothills School Division. Supported solely by local
stakeholders, the 10-session program is tailored to kids in Grades 6
and 8 and is taught by specially trained police officers. DARE
provides kids with credible information about substance abuse,
violence and vandalism; teaches critical skills for resisting peer
pressure and dangerous situations; and offers positive alternatives to
self-destructive activities. In addition to having a measurable impact
on kids' choices, DARE fosters positive contact between kids and
authority figures, and unites parents, teachers and police officers in
a common goal of investing in today's youth.

Now back to the business of 'laughing and lasting.'

To celebrate seven years of substantial support and notable success,
and to ensure the ongoing delivery of this stellar drug awareness
program, DARE invites all of its parents, teachers and community
stakeholders to come out to its third annual comedy fundraiser.

'Dare to Laugh' will be held at the Foothills Centennial Centre at
7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 2.

Calgary's Loose Moose Theatre as well as two local high school improv
teams will serve up great comedy, while Good Times Catering serves up
hot h'ors d'oeuvres. The event will also include a silent auction to
raise funds for the ongoing delivery of the Foothills DARE Program.

Tickets are $40 per person and those who purchase a table of eight
will . . . well . . . have eight times the fun.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call Geoff Carpenter at
601-1616 or Laurie McCreary Burke at 933-4532.

Remember: Parental laughter is advised.