The holiday period from Thanksgiving through Hanukkah and Christmas signifies a time of reflection and gratitude for all things. As we gather with our families for delicious dinners prepared with the best trimmings, we reflect deeply on what truly means the most to us and express gratitude for those things.

After 39 years of providing families with the tools to help kids make healthy choices, I am extremely thankful for the success of Informed Families. This year especially, I have plenty to be thankful for.

I am thankful for the hard-working staff of Informed Families for working diligently to ensure that families and children are united to combat the social pressures of underage drinking and illegal drug use.

I am thankful for an active Board of Trustees, who altruistically dedicate their time to supporting our mission and achieving our vision.  

I am thankful for all the schools, families, communities, law enforcement agencies, coalitions, non-profit organizations, volunteers, religious institutions and governmental organizations that provide unity for a drug-free world. Our star student Ambassador this year, Jeremy Peters, worked with his administration during Red Ribbon Week to pass out pins, create and regulate a bulletin board, create a red cup tower, as well as create a community service certificate and "Wear a Red Shirt Day" flyer.

I am thankful for all of our devoted grantors, donors and sponsors, those who support our prevention programs, those who make our annual Joe's Dinner a success and most recently, those who helped us raise close to $3,000 during Give Miami Day!

I am grateful for having the opportunity to recognize our good friend, Coach Butch Davis of FIU Football for his service to Informed Families and our mission of helping kids grow up safe, healthy and drug-free during this past Red Ribbon Week. Coach Davis & his football players recorded an inspiring message and delivered bags filled with Red Ribbon goodies to local Miami-Dade elementary and middle schools. You can watch the message here.

I am thankful for the millions of people who have participated in Florida and the National Red Ribbon Campaign throughout the years; you are the critical mass required to make a global change! This year, dozens of landmarks across Florida lit up RED to celebrate Red Ribbon Week. We couldn’t have done it without the help of some of our biggest supporters, such as Coral Gables Trust, the Beacon Council, and others.

With supporters like all of you, Informed Families will continue to leave a drug-free legacy for the next 40 years. 

Finally, I am thankful that you are visiting our website and reading this blog because that tiny action can create a ripple effect for a positive future for our children.

Sincerely,

Peggy Sapp, CEO & President