A new fundraiser is strolling into LZ on June 23 to raise money for drug awareness for the citizens of Lake County.

 ‘Take A Stand,’ a group based on raising awareness of controlled substance abuse in Lake County, will host a fundraiser at Paulus Park on June 23. The event will run from approximately 10am to 2pm and will include a 5-kilometer (about 3.1 miles) walk around the lake, guest speakers, a balloon release, and informational booths. The guest speakers will include a recovering drug addict, a person who has lost a loved one to drug addiction, and a professional speaker about drugs.

“We’re just hoping to raise awareness. We are so happy to see the support we are getting, and we are so glad we are finally being heard,” Shannon Brody, one of the group’s founders said. “Our main goal is to help as many people as we can, and ultimately save a life.”

In this effort, ‘Take A Stand’ hopes to inform parents about the rising drug problems, stop teenagers from abusing drugs, and to create a positive environment in the community, according to their Facebook page.

For Sarah Miller, freshman, the walk has a deeper meaning.

“It’s really nice that somebody is finally taking awareness of the problem. It’s a good thing to know that you aren’t alone when you think someone close to you has a drug problem. [The walk] also allows people to think about the consequences drugs can have not only on themselves, but also on the people around them,” Miller said.

‘Take A Stand’ started when the founders lost a friend to a drug overdose. The five founders, all LZHS graduates, are Shannon Brody, Lindsey Ann Dulian, Heather Riley, Megan Hartigan, and Ann DeMeyer Brody.

What the women felt when they lost their friend to an overdose is not an unknown feeling for some students at LZHS.

“I see people dealing with substance abuse a lot. It adds stress to yourself because you are constantly worrying. I think that this event is going to help people realize that they can help someone. It’s so important that people are aware of the real issues going on here,” McKenna Larson, sophomore, said.

Due to the rising awareness of drug problems, other local organizations are also getting involved.

All profits earned from the event will go towards the Jeremy Stom Remembrance Foundation, a local non-profit organization that helps to sponsor adolescents in order for them to attend summer camp and escape the pressures of everyday life.

For more information about ‘Take A Stand,’ visit their Facebook page at http://facebook.com/TakeAStandIL2012.