Celebrities, Leaders, Americans to Answer the Call During November's National Runaway Prevention Month

Celebrities, Leaders, Americans to Answer the Call During November's National Runaway Prevention Month

CHICAGO, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Award-winning musician and actor Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, world-renowned chef Charlie Trotter, and Nashville recording artist Jason Michael Carroll are three of the thousands of individuals and organizations anticipated to "Answer the Call" during November's National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM).

Co-sponsored by the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) and National Network for Youth, the month-long campaign raises awareness of the youth runaway issue and educates people about solutions and prevention.

It is estimated that between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away each year in America. According to Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director, those are too many young people on the streets who may find themselves in extremely dangerous situations.

"This is a national crisis facing our youth, yet many parents and guardians are completely unaware that their child could be at risk," she said.

Those interested in participating in the campaign can visit the NRPM section of NRS' Web site and learn how to get involved. Activities in support of NRPM include:

-- The "Spirit of Youth" benefit in Chicago is NRS' annual awards benefit
recognizing individuals and organizations who "Answer the Call" by
helping to keep America's runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the
street. This year's "Spirit of Youth" award recipient is
world-renowned chef Charlie Trotter.
-- The Green Light Project encourages Americans to show support of
runaway and at-risk youth by shining a green light on their front
porch. It is a symbol to get Americans talking about the runaway issue
and ways to prevent youth from running. Individuals and organizations
across the country are handing out green light bulbs throughout
November.
-- Chris "Ludacris" Bridges continues his support of NRS by maintaining
his role as an NRS ambassador speaking about the runaway issue and
1-800-RUNAWAY during media interviews and speaking engagements.

-- Nashville recording artist Jason Michael Carroll is serving as a
spokesperson on behalf of NRS when discussing his recently released
single, "Hurry Home," and runaway and at-risk youth issues. He
included the NRS logo and 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline number at the
end of his "Hurry Home" video released in June, and he recorded a
series of radio public service announcements that have been
distributed nationally to country radio stations.

To learn more about NRS and NRPM, visit www.1800RUNAWAY.org.

Source: National Runaway Switchboard

CONTACT: Joel Kessel, +1-614-467-9083, joel@kesselcommunications.com,
for NRS

Web Site: http://www.1800runaway.org/

-------
Profile: intent