NEWS RELEASE                               January 24, 2006

Office of the Lieutenant Governor                            

For more information:

Brian Dirks
(360) 786-7707 (Office)
Dirks.brian@leg.wa.gov or
Tom Penella
Washington Mentoring Partnership
(360) 725-3758

Capitol Event Celebrates National Mentoring Month 2006

OLYMPIA -- The Washington Mentoring Partnership, co-chaired by Lt. Gov. Brad Owen and former Washington State University football star Jack Thompson, will kick off its 2006 campaign with a 9 a.m. ceremony Jan.25 in the state Capitol rotunda.

Gov. Christine Gregoire is also expected to take part in the ceremony, which is being held to mark National Mentoring Month and Thank Your Mentor Day.  Participants in mentoring groups and supporters from across the state will be in attendance.

The ceremony will include the presentation of “Champions of Mentoring” awards to three non-profit organizations. Groups receiving recognition will include Big Brothers and Big Sisters of King and Pierce County, Grant County Prevention and Communities in Schools of Orting.

 “What these groups are doing for others and for the community can be described as no less than magnificent,” Owen said. “Today’s youth have to sort through a maze of temptations, distractions and misdirection.  Often all it takes is a good mentor to help guide them down the right path.”

Jim Marsh, a former NBA basketball player and executive director of the Washington Mentoring Partnership, will emcee the one-hour event. DSHS Secretary Robin Arnold-Williams is also expected to be on hand to recognize mentoring within state foster care programs. The public is welcome to attend.

For more information on mentoring, go to www.mentoringwashington.org  or call toll free 1 866-316-8190.

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