Press Release – Kickin’ Ash Splash
Date: August 6, 2007
Contact: Mary Siembida, Licking Co. Health Dept. (740) 349-6535
Lezlie Ankrom,
Pathways of Licking County (740) 345-6166
The 3rd annual KICKIN’ ASH SPLASH, sponsored by the Licking
County Tobacco-Free Coalition was held at the Heath City Water Park on August 3rd from 7pm – 9pm. 1,571 people
attended this event including nearly 1,000 youth. The event celebrated
area youth and their choice to be tobacco-free. While kids were swimming,
riding the water slides, and eating pizza, information about the dangers of
tobacco use were presented. Every day, over 3,000 young people under the
age of 18 become regular smokers. That is more than 1 million teens a
year and about 1/3 of them will die from a tobacco related illness.
DJ Jake England, with
England Productions helped educate the youth on the dangers of tobacco use by
inserting tobacco facts between songs throughout the night. Prizes
consisting of gift certificates, school supplies, and even an Apple IPOD added
to the exciting night!
The evening was a success and a great outlet to spread the anti-tobacco
message to the young people in our county.
To find out more about the Licking County Tobacco-Free Coalition or to
join our efforts, please visit www.tobaccofreelickingco.org.