Congressional Leaders and Celebrities To Help Raise Awareness and Funds For Anti-Bullying Campaign

June 2, 2011 - PRLog -- National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment (NVEEE) will welcome entertainment and sports celebrities, elected officials, business leaders, educators, to kick off its National Not On My Watch Anti-Bullying Campaign with “The Art of Liberation” Fundraiser + Art Auction at the W Washington DC on June 5. The event is hosted by Kevin E. Hooks, Executive Vice President of Weber Shandwick Integrated Media.

"At Weber Shandwick we believe in advocacy as a powerful tool to help people,” said Hooks. “We are proud to add our strength at building advocates to NVEEE’s fight against bullying."

Representatives from the offices of U.S. Reps. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., and Yvette Clarke, D-NY, will present NVEEE with a joint resolution honoring the organization for its work within the community and its national “Not On My Watch” anti-bullying campaign, which features workshops led by NVEEE’s Teen Mentors and Peace Ambassadors. This campaign increases awareness of the violence surrounding youth and young adults, and empowers students and communities to take action by refusing to be bystanders. Proceeds from the reception will help the successful initiative reach more students and parents who are coping with bullying on multiple levels, including physical, emotional, verbal, and cyber bullying, which is a major cause for increasing levels of suicide.

“I firmly believe bullying does not discriminate,” said Danielle Mazzuchi, a 17-year-old student from West Springfield High School in Virginia. “From cheerleaders to quarterbacks, NO ONE is immune. As an NVEEE Peace Ambassador, I am committed to taking a stand in honor of my peers who are mistreated, isolated, or worse, left behind.  Each of us have a responsibility to embrace equality, to be comfortable in our own skin, and too understand that we are responsible for drawing the line of “too much.”  

“NVEEE is proud to be a part of the solution,” said Jowharah Sanders, NVEEE’s Founder and Executive Director. “We are honored and thankful to our sponsors and countless volunteers because without their dedication, generous donations and unwavering support, NVEEE’s work would not be possible. This reception is about honoring the community and paying tribute to the families we serve-families of extraordinary teens like: Jamia Barber, Danielle Mazzuchi, Kaylyn Schubert, Brianna Spencer, Ruth Sanders, Megan Braun, and a very special family who I personally hold dear to my heart, Hilda Gotay the mother of Josie Lou Ratley.”

To honor NVEEE and their teens, internationally recognized artist John Holyfield will unveil a commissioned painting dedicated to the organization.

“I am so honored to be involved with NVEEE,” said Holyfield. “I’m extremely gratified knowing that my art will help raise awareness of those who have been bullied, ridiculed, or shunned. Every life is a valuable gift, and organizations, such as NVEEE, are there for them to ‘come as they are.’”

Special guests will include television and screen actor Omari Hardwick of the A-Team Movie and For Colored Girls, and Visanthe Shiancoe from the Minnesota Vikings, with music by celebrated jazz recording artist Art Sherrod, Jr.

"God gave the child hands to lift up his/her fellow angel...Not to destroy or beat down the wings with which He gave them to soar,” said Hardwick.

Other special guests include:
•   Zeric Seymor-Armenteros, Model from BET's Model City
•   B.J. Coleman, Fashion Publicist

Generous sponsors for “The Art of Liberation” reception include Comcast, W Hotel Washington D.C., and Weber Shandwick Integrated Media. Guests will enjoy fine wine and butlered hors d’oeuvres. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or to make a financial donation, please visit www.NVEEE.org or call 954.561.2626.

About NVEEE
NVEEE was established to empower communities and facilitate open communication surrounding increasing levels of bullying, violence, and suicide among students of all ages, ethnicities, and identities. Our mission is to provide support services to youths and families affected by bullying, violence, and suicide, through preventative education and communication. For more information, visit www.NVEEE.org or call 954.561.2626.

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