FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2018

Contact: Matt Birchenough, 201-916-1032, media@drugfreenj.org

Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Encourages Family Fun with Online Fishing Tournament

MILLBURN — The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is asking families to cast their lines and reel in some quality time this summer as part of the fourth annual Don’t Get Hooked on Drugs Online NJ Family Fishing Tournament.

The competition will be held from July 27 to August 5 as a way to encourage families to enjoy a day of fishing, while giving family members an opportunity to talk with each other more about their daily activities.

Children who communicate regularly with their parents about daily activities are 67 percent less likely to be involved in substance use than children who have little or no communication, according to PDFNJ research. Summer provides many opportunities for families to create lasting memories that help to strengthen relationships between children and parents and guardians.

“The Don't Get Hooked on Drugs Online NJ Family Fishing Tournament is a great opportunity for families to bond and have fun together,” PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente said. “Spending more time with family is the best way to prevent children from using alcohol and other substances and help them continue living drug-free."

To participate in the contest, entrants must be 18 years old or younger, New Jersey residents, and be accompanied by a parent or guardian while fishing. Participants then have to snap a photo of their family enjoying a fishing trip and post it with the hashtag #drugfreenj on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. The photo must include the youth participant and a parent or guardian. Winners will be selected at random on August 7 and will receive cash prizes. Participants can follow PDFNJ on Facebook (@PartnershipForADrugFreeNewJersey), Twitter (@drugfreeNJ) and Instagram (@drugfreenj) to see contest submissions.

For more information, visit drugfreenj.org.

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Best known for its statewide substance use prevention advertising campaign, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private not-for-profit coalition of professionals from the communications, corporate and government communities whose collective mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in New Jersey through media communication.  To date, more than $100 million in broadcast time and print space has been donated to the Partnership’s New Jersey campaign, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey’s history. Since its inception, the Partnership has garnered 173 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.