Nov 3, 2023
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA -- Hanley Foundation’s 28th Annual Family Picnic, a fundraiser to benefit substance misuse prevention programming in schools throughout Florida, was held on Sunday, October 22 at the Lake Pavilion in West Palm Beach. More than 200 Hanley Foundation supporters and their families attended the fall-themed waterfront event that featured lunch, entertainment, a silent auction, and numerous kids’ activities including a live petting zoo, ice cream bar, magic show, games, and more.
A highlight of the event was the ‘reveal’ of Hanley’s annual Alcohol Prevention Poster Design Contest winners. Kids from across the state in three age groups (K-5th, 6th – 8th, and 9th-12th) submitted their vision of what a positive message would be that encompassed the theme, “The Best Me, is Alcohol Free.” Three of the five winners were on-site for the event.
“As parents, Taylor and I are fierce advocates of Hanley Foundation’s mission to empower young people to make healthy choices, foster their self-esteem, and prevent them from drinking or taking drugs,” said James Schneider, Hanley Board member and Family Picnic co-chair alongside Taylor Schneider. “This is a critical initiative, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”
Hanley Foundation delivers age-appropriate educational programming across 32 of Florida’s 67 counties. In 2022, they provided over $7.15 million in prevention and education services throughout the state, impacting the lives of more than 75,000 students, parents, and caregivers.
“Ten years ago, only 76% of kids in the state were alcohol-free,” said Ryan Wertepny, Director of Program Initiatives. “Today, that number is 88%* and we are committed to helping that number continue to rise.”
Sponsors included Origins Behavioral Healthcare, Hanley Family Foundation, Gratitude House, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Angle, Family First Adolescent Services, Mr. and Mrs. Charlene & Richard Johnson, The Patipa Family, James Schneider, STS Foundation, BRC Recovery, Lesser, Lesser & Landy Smith, PLLC, and Mr. Austin Bryan.
*Statistics are based on data from the annual Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS), compiled bi-annually by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
ABOUT HANLEY FOUNDATION
Hanley Foundation envisions a world free of addiction, leading the way as the largest provider of grant-funded prevention education programs in the State of Florida. Hanley Foundation’s mission is to eliminate addiction through prevention, advocacy, treatment, and recovery support. In addition to offering recovery scholarships to those in need and facilitating trainings to identify the signs of substance misuse, the Foundation works to reduce stigma and inform policy through its advocacy efforts. Hanley Foundation educates, changes minds, and saves lives with its evidence-based programs proven through research to prevent and delay the use of alcohol and other drugs. For more information about Hanley Foundation, please visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 561-268-2355.
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