Horse Race to be Named in Honor of ROOT and WDC NOBLE

Prince Georges County Chief of Police
Melvin C. High Will Be Honored

WHO: Reaching Out to Others Together (ROOT), Inc.; and the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (WDC NOBLE).

WHAT: Reaching Out to Others Together (ROOT), Inc and the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), have collaborated to take action against the senseless violence occurring almost daily within Prince George's County and the District of Columbia. Join ROOT and WDC NOBLE on March 18, 2006, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Laurel Race Park for the Second Annual “Racing to Eradicate Gun Violence Day.� At this event the organizations will be honoring Chief of Police, Melvin C. High. In addition, a special handicap race will be named in honor of ROOT and WDC NOBLE.

WHEN: Saturday, March 18, Laurel Race Park (12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.)

WHY: ROOT is a non-profit organization founded by Kenneth E. Barnes, Sr., MS. Mr. Barnes founded ROOT as an entity for positive change in the aftermath of the tragic death of his son, Kenneth E. Barnes, Jr. The late Mr. Barnes was a business owner in the District of Columbia, when he was killed during a robbery at his clothing store in September of 2001. ROOT advocates and intervenes on behalf of homicide victims and their families. ROOT motivates and mobilizes communities to take a proactive approach to reducing homicides and gun violence. ROOT has joined forces with NOBLE, to undertake a measured strategy to reduce gun violence both locally in the District of Columbia and Prince George's County, and nationally as well.

ROOT's ongoing strategy in public schools engages and encourages youth to resolve disputes without violence and especially guns. Under the guidance and leadership of Mr. Barnes and ROOT, "Guns Aside," an initiative under the auspices of ROOT and created by Mr. Gary Bellamy while a student at Howard University, has developed into a campaign that is known throughout the Washington DC Metropolitan area, and is beginning to reach national recognition. Introduced by Councilmembers Adrian Fenty, Ward 4 and Jim Graham Ward 1, The D.C. City Council presented a resolution proclaiming the month of January “Guns Aside Month� in the District of Columbia. The City-wide “Guns Aside� campaign wrapped at the end of January with two-days of forums and a finale concert. A National "Guns Aside" Campaign will be launched in April of this year.

ROOT & WDC NOBLE's second annual "Racing To Eradicate Gun Violence Day" is a Guns Aside fundraising event which signals a new day in the fight against violence and senseless killing in Prince George’s County. On March 18, 2006 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Carriage Room at Laurel Race Park in Laurel, Maryland, violence victims and survivors, community leaders, members of law enforcement, media, celebrities, and concerned community members will come together to show their commitment to making our streets safer and saving lives.

Agenda

12:00 PM -12:30 PM Welcome & Opening Remarks
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Open Bar
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Horse Races
12:30 PM -1:30 PM Lunch Buffet
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Special Musical Performance
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Recognition of VIP Guests, and remarks
Special Presentation to Guest of Honor, Chief Melvin High
Presentation of Appreciation to Platinum Contributors
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM Horse Race Dedicated to ROOT, Inc and WDC NOBLE
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM Award Ceremony to Winning Jockey, owner, and team
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM Announcement of Auction Winners
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Closing Remarks

Press Info: Priscilla Clarke (pclarkepr@aol.com) Clarke & Associates at Tel. 202-723-2200 or visit www.clarkepr.com

ROOT Info: ROOT, Inc. at 202-332-7668 or visit www.rootinc.org

WDC NOBLE Info: www.wdc.noblechapter.org

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