Operation Will Power Launches “I’m Free™” Initiative for Youth

March 31, 2010 - PRLog -- WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Operation Will Power, Inc., will host the launch of their youth initiative, “I’m Free™ 2010,” at a 10:00 a.m. press conference on Friday, April 16th, at Goler Memorial A.M. E. Zion Church at 1435 E. Fourth St. Winston-Salem, N.C.

Dr. Seth O. Lartey, pastor at Goler Memorial, will chair the program which will feature official announcements from Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines and Clemmons’ Mayor John Bost, proclaiming April as “I’m Free™/Operation Will Power Month.”  State representatives Larry Womble and Earline Parmon will also speak at the press conference.

Dr. Lartey envisioned Operation Will Power and the “I’m Free™” program to help release youth from the grip of violence, crime, drugs and imprisonment. Operation Will Power is selling their Ultra Pure bottled water with the “I’m Free™” label in retail stores and grocery chains, to raise money for this ongoing cause.

Brock Agee, Vice President of Le Bleu Corporation, fully supports the goals of this innovative program.

“Le Bleu is proud to manufacture ‘I’m Free™.’ This is much more than Ultra Pure Water.  ‘I’m Free™’ is a worthy cause established to educate and empower youth to be productive citizens for generations to come.”

Jerry Anderson, Vice President and General Manager of Operation Will Power, has secured shelf space in major outlets such as Food Lion, Quality Mart, Four Brothers and Ingles. Reception to “I’m Free™” Ultra Pure Water has been uniformly positive; and Anderson is passionate about seeing Dr. Lartey’s vision fulfilled.

“We’re motivated by what this can do to change the lives of children in our community – black, white, every color.  With this water, you drink it, but the story just begins there,” he said.

Peggy Joines, wife of Mayor Allen Joines, will also speak at the April 16th launch, and distribute pledge cards to purchase cases of “I’m Free™” water.  Ms. Joines is on the Advisory Board of Operation Will Power; and has helped set up “The Winston-Salem Children and Youth’s Fund” to be administered by the Winston-Salem Foundation. Profits from bottled water sales will be channeled into this fund, for grants to community projects which support Operation Will Power’s objectives.

“The Winston-Salem Children and Youth Fund has the potential of becoming a powerful resource for programs positively impacting our children and youth,” said Scott Wierman, President of the Winston- Salem Foundation. “The community’s support of Operation Will Power will enable this vision to become a reality.”

Anderson said that Operation Will Power will have a profit and a non-profit arm to raise and administer funds from bottled water sales.  90% of profits have been designated for the non-profit endowment.

The press conference April 16th will be followed by the “I’m Free™ Youth Summit Against Violence,” announced by area youth leaders. A Youth Summit lock-in will also be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday night at the Winston Lake Family YMCA at 901 Waterworks Road. Saturday morning’s schedule will include breakfast and seminars at the summit.

The Clemmons’ proclamation, dated March 22, 2010, stated: “Operation Will Power believes that the most humane and ethical path to reduce the use of drugs, guns, violence and imprisonment among young people is to appeal to and strengthen the will of young people to make the right choices in life’s journey.”

About Operation Will Power:
Operation Will Power funds positive programs and organizations for youth that promote peace, unity, self-respect and non-violent resolution of conflict. The corporation’s goals focus on utilizing family, peer groups, faith and business leaders, health care professionals, educators, local government officials and law enforcement to build a network that offers children positive influence and healthy choices.  Supporting these available resources will help to divert youth from a destructive path towards crime, drugs, violence and imprisonment.

Media Contact:
Jerry Anderson, Vice President and General Manager
336.577.7050

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Nature's Pearl and Le Bleu Corporations are two separate companies founded by Jerry W. Smith in Advance, N. C. Le Bleu Ultra Pure Water is distributed internationally. Nature's Pearl Premium Muscadine Grape Seed products are sold through distributors.