Home | News Releases | Calendar | Getting Publicity | Media Lists | Governments | Contact | Sources Select News RSS Feed |


News Release

Inaugural CPRF Silver Dinner features
keynote speaker Christopher Kennedy Lawford

June 7, 2006 -- For Immediate Release-

The Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation (CPRF) is pleased to announce its first ever Silver Dinner, which will be held at Toronto's Four Seasons Hotel on Wednesday, November 29, 2006.

The inaugural keynote speaker is actor and activist Christopher Kennedy Lawford, who frequently talks about his experience with alcohol and drug abuse, as well as his life in the spotlight as a member of the renowned Kennedy family. Born on March 29, 1955 in Santa Monica, California, where he still resides with partner and children, Lawford was the first child of Peter and Pat Kennedy Lawford. Kevin McNeil, CPRF Chair says, "We are excited to have an internationally known speaker such as Mr. Lawford join us for our first Silver Dinner."

In addition to spending more than 15 years in the film and television business, he has produced weekly segments on political and social stories within the entertainment community for CNN's American Morning and the entertainment news program Extra. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University, a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School and a Masters Certification in Clinical Psychology from Harvard Medical School, where he is an academic lecturer on psychiatry.

Having battled substance addiction for much of his young adult life, Lawford finally reached sobriety more than 20 years ago. Today, he remains dedicated to saving others from the horrible effects of alcohol and drug abuse. He is extensively involved with both the government and the private sector, with places like the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. As well, he makes public speaking appearances throughout the United States and the world for political candidates and non-profit organizations.

Lawford's own battle with drug and alcohol abuse has given him a deeper understanding and appreciation of life, family, friends and the community. Articulating his personal stories growing up in Hollywood and Washington, he inspires individuals to overcome their addictions and transform themselves. "My story is one of survival and redemption. It is about asking questions, searching for the truth and finding the courage to be honest no matter the consequences," Lawford says.

CPRF's inaugural Silver Dinner builds on the highly successful President's Luncheon, which has been held in Toronto for the past 19 years. This annual luncheon routinely attracts more than 300 supporters, volunteers and corporate and community leaders. Together, they hear about challenges and activities relating to psychiatric research and medicine, as well as personal stories of struggle, triumph and compassion. The Silver Dinner, itself, is expected to help advance the mental health sector in Canada by raising funds for mental health research and awareness.

The Silver Dinner will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 6 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel's Regency Ballroom, 21 Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario. For more information or for interviews, contact Andrea Swinton, Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation, Telephone: (416) 351-7757 Ext. 22, e-mail: aswinton@cprf.ca.

The Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation (CPRF) is a national charitable organization that has raised and distributed funds for psychiatric research and awareness in Canada since 1980. CPRF also produces the best-selling When Something's Wrong series of handbooks, which translates this research into information that can be used in communities at the grassroots level.

Warmly,

Andrea Swinton Fundraising Manager
Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation
133 Richmond Street West Suite 200 Toronto, ON M5H 2L3
ph 416-351-7757 x22 fax 416-351-7765 }
email aswinton@cprf.ca
website www.cprf.ca

Click here to view our Sources Listing




Sources
     sources@sources.ca
Toronto, Ontario, , Canada         Tel:
Copyright © Sources, All rights reserved.