Play casino games and enjoy dinner, dancing and live music Tuesday, March 24 at the annual Palmer Drug Abuse Program’s fundraiser at the Mansion Royal , 8001 S. Padre Island Drive in Corpus Christi. For every dollar spent on durg prevention, a community saves $7, says director Wade Fjeld.
By giving to the Palmer Drug Abuse Program, whether by attending its annual fundraiser or giving a direct donation any time, you give drug abuse victims a chance to turn their lives around said program director Wade Fjeld. PDAP holds its fifth annual dinner gala and auction Tuesday, March 24 at Mansion Royal, 8001 S. Padre Island Drive. The event begins at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 7 p.m.
Along with dinner, dancing and live music, guests can participate in a silent auction and casino games with prizes for first, second and third place.
“Everyone is given free casino ‘money’ to enjoy the casino games we have set up,” Fjeld said. “The ones with the most fake money at the end of the night will win prizes.”
PDAP looks to raise around $50,000 to fund its 12-step programs in Corpus Christi, Alice, Kingsville and Texas A&M University.
“We work with teens and young adults on chemical dependency issues,” Fjeld said. “All the money has to be raised from the communities we serve. We receive no state or federal funding. We receive grants and individual donations. That’s the bulk of where our funds come from.”
All PDAP services are free and the program works, says Fjeld, who pointed out that for every dollar spent on rehabilitation of a drug abuser, the community saves $7.
Statistics show that since entering the program, 84 percent of participants say that have stopped illicit behaviors like shoplifting, drug trafficking, graffiti and other criminal activities. Other stats show that:
• 62 percent of youth improved their school attendance and performance
• 68 percent of young adults improved their job performance
• 82 percent abstain from ind changing chemicals
• 93 percent of members who work the program are experiencing positive changes in their lives, have improved relationships, attitudes and coping skills
“If you haven’t already reserved a ticket, you can call to RSVP any time,” Fjeld said.
To get your tickets, call 361-887-8900. And whether or not you can make it to the dinner, donations are welcome all year-round. For more information, visit the website at <a href="http://www.pdapcc.org">pdapcc.org</a>.
