February Declared Healthy Marriage Month

Thursday, February 14, 2008

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT:
Sandy Williams
State Public Awareness Coordinator
College of Human Sciences
Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Initiative
Auburn University, AL 36849-5168
334.844.8715
sandywilliams@auburn.edu

February Declared Alabama Healthy Marriage Month

Auburn, AL., January 29, 2008–
For the 3rd year in a row, Governor Riley will proclaim February “Alabama Marriage Month” and will sign a proclamation on February 8th, 2008 declaring the importance of healthy, stable relationships and marriages for Alabama citizens and communities. Mayors of all Alabama cities are encouraged to join Governor Riley in signing similar proclamations within their respective cities. 

In conjunction with this activity, the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Initiative, a collaborative among AU’s Human Development and Family Studies Dept., the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Alabama Children’s Trust Fund and a growing network of state and community organizations, will be involved with many marriage celebration events throughout the state. February 11th, winners of a state-wide 8th grade essay contest will be announced. Participants in the contest were asked to write about the “Best Marriage They Know.”  One winner from each Congressional District, the child’s teacher and the couple featured in the essay, will be invited to the Governor’s mansion for a Celebration of Marriage on Sunday, February 17th from 2-4 p.m. hosted by the Governor and Mrs. Riley. 

All Alabama citizens, who have been married for twenty-five years or more, are invited to the event as well. Eligible couples need to RSVP (334-844-8715) by Thursday, February 14, to receive an invitation and security information. 

For more information on this commemoration AND healthy relationships and marriages, please visit our website at www.alabamamarriage.org.



FUNDING IS PROVIDED THROUGH A GRANT FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES-HEALTHY MARRIAGE DEMONSTRATION GRANT #90-FE-0001/02. THE OPINIONS, FINDINGS, AND CONCLUSIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHOR(S)/PRESENTER(S) AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.
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