A CONTAGIOUS EVENT IN SUPPORT OF OUR TEENS

DR. JONAH BERGER

Drug Free Collier is teaming up with a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author to help influence positive social change in Collier County.

Dr. Jonah Berger, author of Contagious: Why Things Catch On will be in Naples on Thursday, March 3, 2016 to serve as keynote speaker of Drug Free Collier’s 8th  Annual Fundraising Luncheon at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort.

Berger reveals the behavioral science behind word-of-mouth and social transmission.

During his keynote presentation, he explains how a few basic principles drive our decisions and lead people to imitate what others are doing. The secrets he discovered during his research can have countless applications. Whether you’re a small business owner trying to boost awareness, a politician running for office, or a health official trying to get the word out, Berger’s work will help you understand how to make products and ideas contagious.

SHAWN MCGRAIL

“We understand that social influence is strongest when the behavior is observed by others, especially teens,” said Melanie Black, Executive Director of Drug Free Collier.

“Collaborating with Dr. Berger will allow us to help influence the choices our teens make about drug and alcohol use.”

Hundreds of local supporters and distinguished guests are expected at this year’s event, Black said. “Each year, our annual luncheon generates a surge in local interest and energy directed toward keeping our kids and our community drug free,” Black added. “It’s encouraging to see that so many people in Collier County are willing to make a difference in the lives of our youth.”

This year Drug Free Collier is honoring Shawn McGrail, Vice President and Partner of Coastal Beverage for his role in preventing underage drinking. McGrail has been a resident of Collier County since 2004 and an active partner of Drug Free Collier since 2005. He began his work with Drug Free Collier as a volunteer and eventually served as a member of the Board of Directors through 2012. McGrail oversees the Operations Division of Coastal Beverage and also coordinates Alcohol Awareness Programs in Collier and South Lee County, by bringing professional speakers to local schools to talk about the consequences of underage drinking. He also provides educational materials for parents and teens. In addition, he is a certified TIPS trainer promoting responsibility to area retailers and has trained hundreds of bartenders and servers on how to identify and prevent underage drinking. McGrail is a member of the Naples Chamber of Commerce, a member of Leadership Collier Class of 2007, and a past advisory board member to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Collier County. He is married to his wife Tandy and has two children (Jack 10 and Kimberly 2).

“Thanks to our work with key stakeholders, like Coastal Beverage, alcohol consumption by teens in Collier County has dropped from 43 percent in 2005 to 29 percent in 2014,” said Black. “We couldn’t have done this without the strong support of community partners.”

“Coastal Beverage is committed to preventing underage drinking in Collier County. Our partnership with Drug Free Collier has been fantastic. We share the same vision to keep our kids safe and drug free.

Drug Free Collier is an exceptional organization and we are proud to be a loyal partner,” McGrail said.

Drug Free Collier’s Annual Fundraising Luncheon will include special appearances by City of Naples Mayor John Sorey as celebrity auctioneer and Fox 4 News Anchor Patrick Nolan as Master of Ceremonies. Students from Drug Free Collier’s CORE Society will also be on hand.

\ Individual tickets and table sponsorships are still available. Please call Drug Free Collier at 239.552.1300 or visit www.DrugFreeCollier.org for more information.