(Marc h 2010) The Lumbee Tribe Tobacco Cessation hosted its first annual Kick Butts Day at Pembroke Park on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
“I’m sure you don’t want to become a victim or causality because of smoking,” declared Chairman of the Lumbee Tribe Purnell Swett, “so, can I get a show of hands of those who are going to say ‘Mr. Swett, I’m going to kick butts and not be a victim of smoking’.” Chairman Swett declared Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Kick Butts Day in the Land of the Lumbee through in by a signed proclamation.
The North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund is a program under the Golden LEAF Foundation; a charter organized by the North Carolina General Assembly, through the settlement between 46 states and cigarette manufacturers. As a result, a campaign called Tobacco Free Kids began in Washington to promote tobacco prevention, which in turn created Kick Butts Day. “The Health & Wellness funds over 60 organizations within the state of North Carolina to fund events and programs such as kick butts day,” explained Tobacco Cessation Grant Manager Andre Stanley.
There were several interactive activities provided for the youth one of popularity was getting into a boxing ring with blow up gloves and knocking out Youth Services Coordinator John Oxendine, dressed as a life size cigarette. “Our objective here today is to create awareness among our youth and through that initiate prevention,” asserted Tobacco Cessation Coordinator April Bryant.
The Lumbee Tribe and the Health & Wellness Trust Fund invite you to become more involved on this issue by visiting http://www.realityunfiltered.com. For more information on Kick Butts day or the Tobacco Cessation program please contact, April Bryant at 910-522-2189.
