Thursday, September 22, 2011, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Support Weller Center’s anti-bullying programs to help thousands of kids stand strong
“I’m ugly. I’m weak. I’m too fat. I’m too skinny. We lost our house. Kids think I’m gay. I wasn’t born in this country.” These are just a few responses to the question, “I’m bullied because...” on a recent Weller Health Education Center survey of 6th and 7th grade students. On this same survey, one out of every five kids said they have intentionally cut or injured themselves and one in 10 has thought about committing suicide.
Most of us can remember a time when we were bullied or were a witness to bullying, but today’s bullying has taken a more dangerous turn. Cyberbullying, the practice of sending hurtful, cruel and even harmful messages through texting, email and social media, can have long-term, even devastating effects—often pushing victims to the limit.
Honorees for the 2011 Outstanding Friend to Kids Awards are selected
The Weller Health Education Center has selected the honorees for its ninth annual Outstanding Friend to Kids Awards ceremony to be held Thursday, September 22, 2011, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the PBS39 Broadcast Center at SteelStacks, Bethlehem, PA. These awards are given to individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to make a significant and positive impact on the health and well-being of children. All proceeds will benefit the Weller Health Education Center’s anti-bullying education programs.
The following individuals will be recognized at the event:
Daniel J. Reavy will receive the Children’s Advocate award for his work as an outstanding advocate for children. Through his tireless efforts in his position as director for External Affairs and Public Relations for Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc., Dan has had a direct impact on protecting and educating tens of thousands of children in our region. A recent project, funded through the Bar Association of Lehigh County, the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and the Verizon Foundation, created ONEFACE.me to address the dangers of social networking sites. This video was distributed to every middle school in Northampton and Lehigh Counties.
Ryan McGibbon will be recognized as an Outstanding Young Achiever for his role in educating his classmates through a presentation he created about his disability, Asperger’s syndrome. His wish is that through this presentation people will have an understanding of his condition which will help prevent the bullying of children with Asperger’s. In his presentation he explains the disorder, the problems it causes and what people can do to help a child with this disability fit in. Ryan hopes to turn his presentation into a movie so he can share it with other schools. He is on a mission to make the world a more accepting place for people with Asperger’s.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served and a silent auction will take place during the event. Tickets are $40 per person and can be reserved by contacting Lisa Liddington, Director of Development, at (610) 258-8500 ext. 18 or lliddington@wellercenter.org. Sponsorship packages are also available.
Sponsored in part by:
Additional funding provided by:
