Date: February 9, 2011 Contact:
Lisa Themer, Communications Specialist
For Immediate Release
Sticking his neck out for kids
Riordan
named Harold Award Recipient
Area youth advocate James Riordan of
Riordan
turned the tragic death of his 16 year old son, Jeremiah, who was killed in
2000 in an accident involving three drunk drivers, into a tireless crusade to
reduce underage drinking. Among his many efforts, he founded Make it Stick to warn teens of
the dangers of substance abuse. In 2001, he founded Jeremiah’s – A
Place to be Yourself to give teens a place to hang out away from the
dangers of drugs and alcohol. The crowds
quickly out grew the space and resources available, so Riordan turned his
efforts in different direction.
He joined
the Partnership’s board in 2001 and used his talents as an author and film
producer to help the Partnership develop the “Make a Pledge, Make It Stick” and “Don’t Look the Other Way – Start Talking Now!” community
awareness campaigns. He helped produce two videos on underage drinking and
develop a PSA (Public Service Announcement) for Radio
contest for 7th and 8th graders. He also
publishes In Focus,
a 20-page literary magazine featuring work by area high school students.
Riordan has made countless presentations to students,
parents, and local officials to help keep the Partnership’s message about the
dangers of underage drinking in the forefront.
In addition to being one of the most effective voices for the
Partnership, he is currently serving his second term as chairman of the board
of directors.
Riordan’s
career began in the music industry as a songwriter, manager, producer and
concert promoter. He is the author of nearly two dozen books, including a New York Times Bestseller, and
producer of more than a dozen films and videos. His biography is included in both Who’s Who in Entertainment and Contemporary Authors of
America. He is involved in a
number of other community projects and is an active member of
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