What is the 99?

[Gatormb]

No, I'm not talking about the 1% vs the 99%. I'm talking about the 99 Young people (12-24) a day that die (36,000 per year) from making poor decisions (texting and driving D&D, suicide, domestic abuse etc.)

The 99, a ministry, has come to Manatee & Sarasota county. Friday, Saturday and Sunday's for the next four weekends. 20,000 sq. Ft. Tent housing live theater that show young people the consequences of making poor decisions. We are expecting 15-20,000 to attend. Three years ago in Lakeland 17,000 attended.

IT IS THE ULTIMATE NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE!

If you are in the area please check it out. Beginning next weekend I will be in the cast every Sat & Sunday (maybe Fridays also). Open from 7-11 pm. Every weekend the crowds will double.

$1,000,000 prize for whoever recognizes me resulting in my arrest and conviction!:whoa:

Hint: Not much of the cast is over 30.

http://www.whatisthe99.com/home.html

[Gatormb]

This is especially close to me as I got a phone call from a good friend yesterday who informed me that his youngest son was murdered. I know a lot of details that are not public yet so I will not go into detail other than 'dad' had expressed concerns with some of son's 'friends'.

http://m.bradenton.com/bradenton/db_/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=mnydfRBE

Gilbert, a substitute teacher for Head Start, part of the Manatee Community Action Agency, was scheduled to be in the classroom Wednesday.

"He was a delightful young man and was very well-liked by the staff, and the kids just loved him," said Barbara Patten, executive director of MCAA. "That's why we called him in so often."

Gilbert began substituting in May and worked often at Manatee Elementary School, Patten said.

A mental health representative visited all of the Head Start locations Wednesday to talk with staff, and the Employee Assistance Program is also available. Head Start programs went on as usual, with personnel covering the class assigned to Gilbert.

Davis said Gilbert went to high school at Lakewood Ranch.

"He liked to run track," Davis said. "He was really fast."

Members of Gilbert's family who gathered to mourn did not wish to comment on the case.

[GatorFanCF]

Rep to you for being not only involved but proactively. Hope things go well - go save some lives!