Chicago, December 5, 2006 – With the help of supporters and some of Chicago’s famous faces, Prevention First raised $40,488 at its annual Red Ribbon Gala on October 26 at the Museum of Science and Industry.

“Our goal is to lower drug use rates and keep Illinois youth from ever trying alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. We want people to invest in preventative measures that are better for children and families, and more cost-effective than reactionary tactics,” said Karel Ares, Executive Director of Prevention First, which is the Illinois affiliate of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

The Red Ribbon event was chaired by Joe Stackhouse, senior vice president of Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region, the major benefactor of the event. Among the 200+ crowd were Chicago Cubs starting pitcher, Ryan O’Malley, wide receiver for arena football’s Chicago Rush, Jeremy Unertl, and FOX Chicago news reporter Nancy Pender. Guests enjoyed an evening of music, food, drinks and an exclusive, private viewing of the “Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause” exhibit. They also participated in a silent and live auction, which featured coveted Bears tickets, airline tickets to New York, custom-made clothing, and more.