Press Release--RAFT

[Julie Rickard <julierickard@earthlink.net>]

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        Yes, there is something fun and safe for teens to do on the Palouse.  R.A.F.T. (Raising Awareness For Teens) is a new, nonprofit, youth group based in Pullman and available to teens in all areas of the Palouse.  The goal of RAFT is to show teens how to have fun while remaining drug and alcohol free.  This is accomplished through camping trips, going to Silverwood, rafting, hiking, volleyball, cookouts, speakers, community service, and group meetings. 
        The group organizers are Lori Baril and Isaiah Sanders.  Lori lives in Pullman and has been there for two years.  She has watched as the drug problems in the Palouse have increased during her two years and is appalled and concerned by the magnitude of this problem.  Lori addressed her concerns by notifying Pullman and Moscow stores about pulling Sudafed, Mini-Thins, and other ephedrine and pseudoephedrine based products used in the cooking of methamphetamine from store shelves.  Further, five weeks ago Lori started the RAFT group.  The only requirement is that members must be drug and alcohol free to participate. 
        Lori was expecting the community to welcome the group with open arms.  However, she has been sorely disappointed.  Although, she has been busy contacting organizations that she thought would be supportive the group has been unable to obtain much support.  With the exception of the WSU Visitors Center, who donated the use of the facility for RAFT meetings every Monday night (6-8pm).  The others contacted stated that they would have to charge for any and all services or facilities provided.  Recently, the group wanted to have a fundraising dance at the Pullman High School in the hopes of encouraging more teens to join and raising money for outings.  However, the school was not willing to let RAFT use the school without paying high fees and possessing a very high insurance policy.  Yet, Shelley, owner of CJ’s/Rumors has recently made this dance possible by donating the use of Rumors, 112 N. Main St., Moscow.  The teen dance will be held this Saturday night (June 2

nd

) from 8pm to 12am.  There is a $3.00 cover charge and all 13 to 19-year-olds are welcome with a school ID.  The dance is supervised and will be drug and alcohol free.
        Until now, Lori has paid for all the group’s expenses personally, but she is hopeful that people/organizations who would like to see RAFT succeed and who are able to help will be motivated to do so after having learned more about RAFT.  If interested in helping RAFT, please contact Lori Baril at 332-4566.

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RAFT Dance at Rumors.rtf