Thousands Rally in New York City to Support Those in Recovery

NEW YORK, NY (09/24/2010)(readMedia)-- On Saturday, September 25, 2010, in support of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, thousands of New Yorkers will gather for the 3rd Annual New York Recovery Rally to celebrate the reality of recovery from addiction and offer hope to those who have yet to find recovery.

This national media event is made possible by founding sponsor A&E Network's The Recovery Project and a number of other supporting organizations. The New York City event is one of many recovery rallies being hosted across the nation.

Events begin with the Odyssey House 5th Annual "Run for Your Life" 5K race at Icahn Stadium at 10 a.m., followed by a Recovery Walk at 11 a.m. that will launch the 3rd Annual NY Celebrates Recovery Rally at the Harlem River Event Site on Randall's Island.

A rally concert begins at noon with a diverse and exciting list of performers, including Courtney Love, who will perform with Hole guitarist Micko Larkin and Simon Kirke of Bad Company; movie, television and Broadway star Kristen Johnston and one of the country's hottest comedians, Greg Giraldo, judge on the hit NBC program "Last Comic Standing".

Hosted by WABC sportscaster Scott Clark and veteran broadcast journalist Laurie Dhue, the rally lineup will also include the Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir, R&B artists Bradd Marquis, Darryl Johnson, James Sturkey and Sharice Styles; rock alternative band Road Recovery; blues guitarist Paul Zunno and dance group Heaven's Radicals.

The event is free and open to the public; families and individuals in recovery; friends, advocates and supporters of recovery; service providers; and health and human services professionals.

WHO: NY Advocates for Recovery: State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Commissioner Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo; Robert J. Lindsey, president and chief executive officer of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD); Ira Marion, board president of the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of NYS; Laura Elliott-Engel, president of Friends of Recovery New York; A&E Network, dignitaries; entertainers and individuals sharing their stories of recovery.

WHEN: Saturday, September 25, 2010. The Odyssey House 5th Annual "Run for Your Life" at 10:00 a.m. and the "Recovery Celebration Walk" at 11:00 a.m., followed by live entertainment, key speakers and fun, family activities until approximately 3 p.m.

WHERE: Icahn Stadium, Harlem River Event Site, Randall's Island Park, New York City

Notes: The attached video news release is available in broadcast-quality format upon request from the press contacts listed below.

Media Contacts Prior to Rally:

Jennifer Farrell, 518-457-8299

jenniferfarrell@oasas.state.ny.us

Dora Ricci, 518-457-8299

doraricci@oasas.state.ny.us

Isobelle Surface, 917-817-3739

isurface@odyssseyhouseinc.org

Media Contacts on Rally Day:

All media attending should check in at the Press Tent near the stage area at Harlem River Event Site for a media pass and access to speakers or performers.

Jennifer Farrell, 518-573-9275

Isobelle Surface, 917-817-3739.