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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
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