MEDIA RELEASE

The Friday Night Crew youth group invites fans of Johnny Depp and “Dark Shadows” to dress in their finest “vamp-attire” and join them for a Movie Night & Costume Party 7-10 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 at Thelma Parker Memorial Library.

Directed by Tim Burton, “Dark Shadows” (PG13) stars Michelle Pfieffer, Helena Bonham Carter and heartthrob Johnny Depp as the romantic vampire Barnabus Collins. In the new movie version of the classic TV hit, Barnabus returns to Collinwood Manor to find dysfunctional descendants in dire need of his protection.

“The youth wanted a way to raise money that would be different, so they came up with a cool and unique concept,” said Beth Mehau, Executive Director of The Pantry (of which Friday Night Crew is a component). “This gives them an affordable way to get together, dress up their ‘dark side,’ and get into a favorite movie—all to help with the Crew’s travel expenses.”

The event is a fundraiser for Friday Night Crew members’ upcoming travel to Austin, Texas for Community Anti-drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) mid-year training program July 21-25.

Because the Friday Night Crew has been actively engaged in prevention work, to reduce underage drinking and drug use, they have already put previous years’ CADCA training into action in the community.

Their efforts helped bring Project SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) forum to Waimea in March, 2013, with Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Dr. Kevin Sabet, former White House drug policy advisor. At the encouragement of Project SAM organizers, the Friday Night Crew will help make a presentation about Hawaii’s Project SAM to the CADCA assembly during the conference.

One youth member, Matt Horne of Waimea, has received a full scholarship from CADCA, and fundraising work is underway to assist Horne with travel expenses, and to support additional youth participants and chaperones.

Youth 13-18 years old are invited to “Dark Shadows” Movie Night & Costume Party, for only $3 per person including snacks. For more information, please call The Pantry, 887-2289.

The Pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which comprises The Friday Night Crew youth group and community coalition, Waimea Artists’ Guild and Mama’s House Thrift Store.

The Friday Night Crew coalition is a collaboration of youth and adult organizations for the purpose of prevention, mentoring, recovery, community awareness and creative activism.

For additional information, or to make a donation, call Mehau at 887-2289.