'Protect Minnesota' Coalition Holds Second Annual Benefit to Launch Public Education and Radio Ad Campaign Calling for Background Checks on Gun Sales

'Protect Minnesota' Coalition Holds Second Annual Benefit to Launch Public Education and Radio Ad Campaign Calling for Background Checks on Gun Sales

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A statewide coalition will honor the president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and give 'Apple Pie Awards' to law enforcement Officials, advocates and gun violence survivors for their efforts to prevent gun violence on Saturday, December 1 from 2-6 PM at the Fine Line Music Cafe, 318 1st Ave. N in Minneapolis.

Protect Minnesota, the coalition working to prevent gun violence, includes the Brady Partner group the Million Mom March of Minnesota. The coalition is holding its second annual benefit to launch a public education and radio advertising campaign to advocate for background checks to be conducted on all gun sales in Minnesota. The event will also honor law enforcement officials, community leaders, advocates and gun violence survivors who have dedicated themselves to efforts to reduce and prevent gun violence. Gun owners and non-gun owners will be present at the event, illustrating the fact that the issue of background checks for gun sales is one of common ground that brings Minnesotans together in agreement.

The Protect Minnesota benefit will include drinks, food, and musical acts by local performers. The benefit will also include both a Live and Silent Auction where attendees can bid on a remarkable selection of gifts and packages for the holidays. Items include winter and ski packages, tickets to arts events and concerts, as well as jewelry, antiques, gift certificates, golf packages and special gifts for children.

Protect Minnesota "Apple Pie Award" winners include Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence; Valerie Wurster, Minneapolis Deputy Chief of Police, for creating a program for the safe turn-in of unwanted firearms and for court-ordered gun turn-ins at Minneapolis police precincts; John Choi, St. Paul City Attorney; Mary Johnson, a gun violence survivor and advocate who lost her 20-year-old son Laramium LaMont Byrd when he was murdered by a teen. (Ms. Johnson founded the "From Death to Life" healing group, then started "Two Mothers", a group for mothers of both victims and offenders); Maggie Doran, who founded the "Ben Doran Foundation" after her 15-year-old son was murdered. Ms. Doran serves as the Executive Director where her foundation advocates for rights of crime victims and works to address societal issues that lead to violent crime.

Musical acts and artists performing include Absolute Gruv - golden age rock and roll; Thandisizwe Jackson-Nisan - MN State Arts Board Poetry Out Load Champion 2007; vocalist Dorothy Doring; vocalist Allison Raney; and guitarist and vocalist Billy Johnson.

As the nation's largest, non-partisan, grassroots organization leading the fight to prevent gun violence, the Brady Campaign, with its dedicated network of Million Mom March Chapters, works to enact and enforce sensible gun laws, regulations and public policies. The Brady Campaign is devoted to creating an America free from gun violence, where all Americans are safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities.

For continuing insight and comment on the gun issue, read Paul Helmke's blog at www.bradycampaign.org/blog/. Visit the Brady Campaign website at www.bradycampaign.org.

Contact: Sue Fust at 651-645-3271 or 952-406-2464 or Joan Peterson at 218-428-6570.

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Source: Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

CONTACT: Sue Fust, +1-651-645-3271, +1-952-406-2464, or Joan Peterson,
+1-218-428-6570, both of Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

Web Site: http://www.bradycampaign.org/

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