Racing Against Drug Abuse

Los Angeles - Griffith Park was the setting Sunday as nearly 2,000 runners and walkers set out to show their support at the 7 th annual Say No to Drugs Holiday Classic Race by participating in the 5K/10K race, 5K fun Walk or the Kiddie Fun Run. With the alarming trend in drug abuse among young people as they are being exposed to drugs at an earlier age than ever before, it is no wonder that Jason Dohring, who plays the mischievous vampire Josef on the hit television show Moonlight, donated his time to be the Master of Ceremonies for this great cause.

"So many lives and careers are ruined by substance abuse," said Dohring. "Some kids get on drugs as young as 11 years old. It's a bad track. Once you get into it, it's hard to get out. It's vital that kids get educated about the harmful effects of drugs so this doesn't happen to them."

The Drug-Free Marshals were one of the three organizations that received proceeds from the event. With the need to educate youth about the harmful effects of drugs, the Drug-Free Marshals was created by the Church of Scientology International 14 years ago. This drug education program uses The Truth AboutDrugs booklets to provide real answers for children and teens as well demonstrating their commitment by being "sworn in" as a Drug-Free Marshal, pledging to remain drug-free and to encourage their peers to do the same.

"It's alarming the damage drugs do to youth and the threat this poses for their future," said Noelle North, the coordinator of the Los Angeles Drug-Free Marshals. "It is therefore vital to reach young people before they start on drugs. Humanitarian, L. Ron Hubbard wrote, 'Save the child and you save the nation'. By providing youngsters with factual information, I know I am making a difference in their lives."

By survey, 50 percent of the students in public schools in the United States have tried an illicit drug, or are using one, by the time they are 17. The U.S. government's National Household Survey on Drug Abuse found that the "risk" youth associate with using marijuana provides an important indicator of future drug use.

Ryan Kugler, the executive director for Say No to Drugs Holiday Classic Race feels that it is important for him to give back to his community. Ryan is a Toluca Lake resident and President and Co-owner of Distribution Video & Audio (DV&A), the nation's largest closeout buyer in the home entertainment industry.

"Effective drug education does work. It saves lives. It is our responsibility to ensure our children are empowered with all the facts so they can decide to lead a drug-free life," said Kugler. "The race advocates healthy and drug-free living." It was obvious by the huge crowd cheering that they agreed with him.

Photo Captions:

1. Race participant Sheriff Lee Bacca getting his marshal badge from Drug-Free Marshal, Noelle North.

2. Close to 2,000 runners, including male and female Elite runners, at the 7 th annual Say No to Drugs Holiday Classic Race take off at the starting line at beautiful Griffith Park.

3. Pictured with Drug-Free Marshal, Noelle North, are from left to right co-Master of Ceremony,Michael Loumeau, Ryan Kugler theExecutive Director of Say No to Drug Race and star of television show Moonlight, Jason Dohring.

4. Drug-Free Marshal, Noelle North, "swears in" audience and children on stage as Drug-Free Marshals pledging to remain drug-free and to encourage their peers to do the same and lead the way to a drug-free USA.