Dixon release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2009
CONTACT:
Scott Peterson, Mayor’s Office
443-740-5412
Mayor Dixon’s PEACE Baltimore Youth Initiative Receives over
1000 Texts from City Youth within First Week
Mayor to attend 2nd PEACE Baltimore Event at Shake and Bake Family Fun Center
Baltimore, MD (July 1, 2009) – Since the kickoff of PEACE Baltimore last week, over
1,000 text messages have been received from youth across the city pledging their support
to the campaign and interest in activities.
The purpose of PEACE Baltimore is to highlight the many positive activities offered by
the Department of Recreation and Parks and to create fun, safe, social activities for youth
to participate in throughout the summer. To engage the youth, the City partnered with
radio station 92Q to promote the text campaign.
By texting the word “PEACE” to the short code 79685, Baltimore City youth will take
the PEACE Baltimore pledge (“I Pledge to Engage in Actions Considerate of Everyone”)
and become part of the PEACE Baltimore text club. Joining PEACE Baltimore will give
them access to PEACE Baltimore events, in addition to notifications of upcoming events
and opportunities to receive discounts from local businesses.
PEACE Baltimore is an exemplary joint effort developed by the City of Baltimore and
several community and business partners including Radio One, Waterfront Partnership,
Downtown Partnership, MTA, BACVA, ESPN Zone, Downtown Locker Room and
General Growth Properties.
“The PEACE Baltimore initiative is an example of what happens when we all—
government, non-profits, community groups, businesses, and the media — rally together
to make youth a priority,” said Mayor Dixon. “It is our responsibility to give our youth
positive alternatives.”
Additionally, Mayor Dixon will attend the second PEACE Baltimore event tomorrow,
July 2nd, from 8pm-11pm for roller skating at the Shake and Bake Family Fun Center
(Mayor to arrive at 9pm). Children 12-17 will have the opportunity to gain FREE
admission to the event after taking the PEACE pledge.
PEACE Baltimore will have many more nights of fun and games in family safe
environments throughout the entire summer. Upcoming events include basketball
tournaments, swimming, movie night, and dodge ball competitions.
To learn more about the PEACE Baltimore initiative, go to www.peacebaltimore.com or
text “PEACE” to 78685.
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Please visit our website at www.baltimorecity.gov