Night for a Drug-Free World Raises Funds for Deserving Charities

Annual charity concert at the international religious retreat of the Church of Scientology benefits nonprofits that help youth live productive, drug-free lives.

Jesse Campbell, international recording artist who appeared on season two of NBC’s The Voice joined performing artists Ashley Renee and Coya Jones and the Church of Scientology Flag Band at the annual Night for a Drug-Free World benefit concert in Clearwater, Florida.

Held at the Fort Harrison, the international religious retreat of the Church of Scientology, the concert raised funds for the We Believe in Me Foundation and the Drug Free America Foundation.

The program opened with an introduction to the two charities and the Church-supported Foundation for a Drug-Free World.

“Humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard said that ‘the single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs,’” said Lisa Mansell, Church of Scientology Community Affairs Director in Clearwater. “By statistic, what will turn our young people away from these substances is simple—education. So it is in that vein that the parishioners of the Church of Scientology support the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, the world’s largest nongovernmental drug education program.”

Foundation for a Drug-Free World Florida Executive Director Roxanne Sierro and President Julieta Santagostino spoke about the Foundation’s work in the community and their partnership with Drug Free America and We Believe in Me. Representatives of the two benefiting organizations, Ms. Amy Ronshausen and Mr. Jerry Wunsch, also addressed the audience.

Drug Free America Foundation, Inc. is a drug prevention and policy organization committed to developing, promoting and sustaining national and international policies and laws that will reduce illegal drug use and drug addiction. We Believe In Me equips students with tools and life skills to further their education and sports goals.

The concert began with a high-energy, eclectic mix of musical styles. Ms. Renee enthralled the crowd with her “Son of a Preacher Man,” Ms. Jones had the crowd on their feet for “I Will Always Love You,” and Mr. Campbell brought the house down with his a cappella rendition of “Beautiful World.”

The concert was followed by a raffle and dancing. More than $20,000 was raised for the two charities.

The Fort Harrison regularly hosts charity events for the Clearwater community.