U.S. Debut of Gira Sin Drogas Drug Prevention Event in Phoenix a Huge Success

U.S. Debut of Gira Sin Drogas Drug Prevention Event in Phoenix a Huge Success

Welcoming Remarks and Inauguration With Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman and Mexican Consul General in Phoenix Carlos Vizcarra at event hosted by Fundacion Azteca America Chairman Luis J. Echarte and Gira Vive Sin Drogas Director Jorge Garralda

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Fundacion Azteca America and Una Vez Mas station Azteca America KPDF in Phoenix successfully held the U.S. debut of the Gira Vive Sin Drogas drug prevention tour last weekend at ASU Gammage.

"I'd like to thank everyone who was involved in this great event, specifically our UVM affiliate KPDF, Jorge Garralda and the entire Gira Vive Sin Drogas team, as well as our on-screen talent Erasmo, Mariana Ochoa, Colette and Ventaneando's Atala Sarmiento; our Noticiero Azteca America national and local anchors Jose Martin Saman and Nancy Agosto, and the creative team of 'Los Peluches,' including the famous Tachadito," said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Fundacion Azteca America and the Azteca America television network. "We are excited to have this great group of talent help spread the word of living drug free and maintain the attention of our youth for this important message."

The importance of speaking out against drugs to Latino youth, parents and teachers was also emphasized by local community leaders in Phoenix.

"I'm very honored and so very excited to say thank you for caring about our future," said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon. "One of our greatest weapons against drugs is information and education."

"We shouldn't fall in the trap of looking for guilty parties when it comes to drugs," said Mexican Consul General in Phoenix Carlos Vizcarra. "We need to understand that it is a common issue between the United States and Mexico."

Hugh Hallman, the Mayor of Tempe, added that "drugs have been a terrible problem in this valley and I'm grateful to you for taking the time out of your day to participate in this Gira and learn about how you can help our community."

The Vive Sin Drogas Tour was launched in Mexico in 1999 to spread the message of living drug-free. To date, Fundacion Azteca has held 70 tours in Mexico to a combined audience of 250,000 people. The event targets Latino adolescents and their parents, with the goal of creating awareness about the consequences of drug, alcohol and food abuses. The United Nations granted the Vive Sin Drogas campaign its Vienna Civil Society Award in 1999 for its contribution to the betterment of society.

The program presents Azteca on-screen talent, with specialists to talk about the emotional and physical effects of drug use. Recovered addicts were also present to share their inspirational stories.

The event ended on an upbeat note with entertainment by La Academia winner and finalist Erasmo, and Colette, respectively, with crowds especially animated by Erasmo's famous rendition of "La Manzanita," which had fans dancing on the stage.

Fundacion Azteca America would like to especially thank ASU Gammage Executive Director Colleen Jennings-Roggensack and local sponsor Muebleria del Sol, as well as all of the media partners that made the event such a success.

About Fundacion Azteca America

Fundacion Azteca America is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for members of the Hispanic community currently in the U.S.

At Fundacion Azteca America, our philosophy is clear and simple: Respect the individual. Give back to society by improving health, nutrition, education and the environment. Empower the Hispanic community. Offer tools for self- improvement rather than charity. And live up to our core values.

Visit: http://www.fundacionaztecaamerica.org/

About Azteca America

Azteca America is the fastest-growing Hispanic network in the United States. The network is a wholly owned subsidiary of TV Azteca S.A. de C.V., one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television content in the world. Azteca America currently has presence in 60 markets throughout the United States.

Fundacion Azteca America, Fundacion Azteca, Azteca America and TV Azteca are companies of Grupo Salinas, a group of dynamic, fast-growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, building the Mexican middle class, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas, Grupo Salinas also includes Grupo Elektra, Banco Azteca, Afore Azteca, Seguros Azteca, Grupo Iusacell and Azteca Internet.

Visit: http://www.aztecaamerica.com/corporate and http://www.gruposalinas.com/

About Una Vez Mas, LP

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Dallas, Una Vez Mas, LP is Azteca America's largest affiliate group, currently with more than 26 stations operating throughout the U.S., in which 19 markets cover the entire state of Texas. These markets include: Abilene-Sweetwater KKAB, Albuquerque-Santa Fe KQDF, Amarillo KTXD, Atlanta WUVM, Austin KADF, Corpus Christi KYDF, Dallas/Fort Worth KODF, El Paso KAEP, Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen KRZD, Houston KUVM, Laredo AZTW, Las Vegas KHDF, Lubbock KDFL, New Orleans WTNO, Odessa-Midland KDFH, Philadelphia WZPA, Phoenix KPDF, San Angelo KAEM, San Antonio KVDF, Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-San Luis Obispo KZDF, Sherman - Ada KADY, Tampa WXAX, Tucson KUDF, Victoria KTJA, Waco-Temple-Bryan KAXW and Washington DC WQAW.

Grupo Salinas Media Contact:
Daniel McCosh
dmccosh@gruposalinas.com
011 52 55 1720 0059

Source: Fundacion Azteca America; Azteca America; Grupo Salinas

CONTACT: Daniel McCosh, Grupo Salinas, +011-52-55-1720-0059,
dmccosh@gruposalinas.com

Web site:

http://www.fundacionaztecaamerica.org/
http://www.aztecaamerica.com/corporate
http://www.gruposalinas.com/

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