Country music superstar and West Virginia native Brad Paisley joined Governor Jim Justice and Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito at the second annual GameChanger Prevention Education Golf Tournament Dinner, Golf Tournament and Luncheon on June 1 and 2 at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs.
Legendary Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban and his wife Terry delivered the keynote at last year’s inaugural event. Paisley didn’t disappoint this year delivering a heartfelt speech about the need for everyone to be GameChangers to address the opioid and substance misuse problem not only in his home state, but the entire nation. The legendary country music icon ended the evening by debuting a song about the opioid and substance misuse problem and closed by bringing the crowd of 500 to its feet by singing Country Roads.
Governor Justice, who serves as GameChanger Head Coach and whose staunch support has facilitated tremendous success at an early stage, implored the crowd to stay involved because too much is at stake for youth and communities in West Virginia. Senators Manchin and Capito reiterated their staunch support of the program and talked about the importance of addressing opioid and substance misuse to provide safe communities and schools for West Virginia youth.
The evening opened with GameChanger Chief Executive Officer Joe Boczek thanking attendees for their tremendous support. Chairman of the Board Larry Puccio recognized the numerous dignitaries in attendance and made a special announcement that an anonymous foundation has pledged 10 million dollars in matching contributions to GameChanger to be used to fund the GameChanger Prevention Education Program in West Virginia schools.
The festivities began on Tuesday, May 31 when GameChanger Board Member Laren Farmer and her husband Steve graciously hosted a welcome reception in their home. A dinner was held on Wednesday with the GameChanger Golf Classic and a scramble event took place on Thursday morning. A luncheon for preventionists from across the state sponsored by GameChanger, Community Connections, Help and Hope WV and Prevention First was held on Thursday and featured General Barrye Price, President and CEO of CACDA as keynote speaker.
Among other state officials attending the event included State Senate President Craig Blair, Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bill Crouch, Commissioner for Behavioral Health Christina Mullins and State Superintendent of Education Clayton Burch.
Next year’s event is scheduled for May 24 and 25 at The Greenbrier. For more information contact Joe Boczek at joeb@gamechangerusa.org or visiting gamechangerusa.org.