October 11, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HALLOWEEN HELL HOUSE TO PORTRAY CONSEQUENSES OF UNDERAGE DRINKING AND ILLEGAL DRUG USE

‘Hell House,’ a maze of horrors and a Halloween costume dance, will be an evening of fun and reality for students in grades 4-12 at The House, Incorporated campus on Friday, October 31 from 7-10 PM. Cost of the tickets is $10 that includes admission to the maze, dance, and food and beverages.

Family friendly events include Halloween themed activities like trick and treating for candy and bobbing for apples. Students will dance to music emceed by DJ Manny Vega and participate in regular weekend Open House basketball, dodge ball and soccer, as well as enjoying food and beverages throughout the evening.

 “We realize that by the time students reach the eighth grade, nearly 50% of them have had one drink. Letting them see consequences of under-age drinking and drug use will guide their future behavior,” said Helen McCormick, President of The House. She noted that motor vehicle crashes due to drinking and driving are the leading cause of death among youth ages 15 – 20. More than 67% of young people who start drinking before the age of 15 will try an illicit drug. By eighth grade, 52% of adolescents have consumed alcohol, 41% have smoked cigarettes, and 20% have used marijuana “We hope to prevent those statistics in our students!”

Helen went on to cite that nationally more than 60% of teens say that drugs are sold, used or kept at their school. Early drug use in any form leads to abuse that is more serious. Drugs and alcohol affect judgment and the ability to process information. “A mind is a terrible thing to waste. The House stresses high school graduation and productive careers. We want our kids to keep their minds clear and active,” she concluded.

The Anheuser-Busch Distributing Company is supporting the Halloween ‘Hell House’ through their “Responsibility Matters” campaign. Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of central Virginia is supplying beverages, and Chick-fil-A, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Hooter’s, the Elks, Henry’s Wrecker Services, and Miller Funeral Home are among many that have partnered with The House to make the evening unforgettable.

For additional information or with questions, please call 571.237.5860.

The House, Incorporated, A Student Leadership Center located at 14000 Crown Court, Suite 105, Woodbridge, Virginia, conducts before and after-school and summer camp day programs; weekend  evening Open House, the Cinderella Ball, and other special events for middle and high school students in greater Prince William County. The House is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible.

14000 Crown Court, Suite 105 • Woodbridge, VA • 22193
571.237.5860 or 703.909.5459
contact us: info@thehouse-inc.com      find us: Location Map