Wanted: the voice of safe, sober fun

Anti-drug/alcohol spokesperson is sought at Patriots game
Stephen Reed
Staff Writer
An organization dedicated to fighting drug and alcohol abuse continues to seek a spokesperson for its initiative to help young people steer clear of the problem.
The search by EmPoWER Somerset was the focus of special events at a recent Somerset Patriots baseball game. During the Aug. 14 game at TD Bank Ballpark, EmPoWER promoted “Somerset Initiative for Partying Safely” or SIPS.
The organization also launched a contest to choose a spokesperson for SIPSNATIONS.com, an online resource for young people.
“The initiative seeks to change the social norm toward the consumption of alcohol in people 18 to 25, and we are counting on those young adults to get involved to discuss ideas and create healthy ways to party safely,” said Lauren Greenburg, SIPS project manager.
Fans attending the game were given a visual reminder of the harmful effects of drinking and driving through the display of a car that had been in a drunken-driving crash. Before the first pitch, the crowd was asked to direct its attention to the field to honor those killed in drunken-driving accidents throughout New Jersey.
Mariam Abouhaib and Eddie Alfaro, two young adults speaking on behalf of SIPS, then introduced the SIPSNATION spokesperson contest and other opportunities to get involved.
In the contest, young adults between 18 and 25 years old participate in impromptu on-camera auditions. The winner of the contest will represent SIPS at public functions and be an important part of the website, as well as receive a $200 American Express gift card.
“Audition entries are being accepted until September 30, and there is still time to send us an audition video if you’re interested in becoming the spokesperson for SIPSNATION.com.” Greenberg said.
Future opportunities to audition at SIPS events also will be announced soon at SIPSNATION.com