NJ Native and Academy Award Winning Writer to be Honored at CarePlus Foundation Courage Awards Gala

James Lecesne, creator of the Trevor Project, to be given Courage Award.

Paramus, NJ, May 11, 2013 --(PR.com)-- The CarePlus Foundation is proud to announce that James Lecesne, actor, Academy Award winning writer, founder of The Trevor Project, and New Jersey native, is among the honorees at the 15th Annual Courage Awards Gala on May 29, 2013 at the Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey.

Lecesne, originally from Hasbrouck Heights, has appeared in numerous plays and has won many acting and writing awards, including the 1995 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short for the film Trevor. More recently, Lecesne appeared on Broadway in a revival of Gore Vidal’s The Best Man.

The CarePlus Foundation chose Lecesne for his exemplary work in reducing the stigma that the LGBTQ community faces. Lecesne has advocated for acceptance through The Trevor Project, the only nationwide 24-hour suicide prevention and crisis intervention lifeline for LGBT and Questioning youth.

Maureen Moriarty, chair of the Courage Awards Gala, shared how the selection of Lecesne came about. “The CarePlus Foundation hosted a screening of Trevor in 2011 and James was kind enough to participate in the event by being a panelist in the discussion after his film was shown. James has continued to be involved with CarePlus through our A.L.L.I.E.S. group that supports LGBTQ youth and has become a role model for so many young people.”

Moriarty noted that the statistics associated with LBTGQ youth and mental health are astounding. For example, according to the American Association of Suicidology, LGBT high school students and students unsure of their sexual orientation were 3.4 times more likely to have attempted suicide in the last year than their straight peers. “James is working to give guidance to young people who are considering suicide and will be recognized for all the progress he has made through The Trevor Project.”

The Courage Awards Gala, now in its 15th year, honor and celebrate individuals, groups, and corporations who work tirelessly on behalf of others facing the daily and life-long challenges of mental illness. Other local honorees at the event include Julia Orlando, Director of the Bergen County Housing, Health, and Human Services Center; Mary Ann Uzzi, former chairperson of the CarePlus Foundation; and Nancy Schuring, Foundation supporter and owner of Devon Fine Jewelry in Wyckoff.

The Gala includes a cocktail hour, dinner, silent auction, raffle, and more. The Courage Awards Gala is the Foundation's largest annual fundraiser, attracting attendees from across the state, including representatives and supporters from the Northern New Jersey business community. The Foundation is currently welcoming sponsors and dinner guests. For more information, visit http://www.CarePlusFoundation.org or call 201-986-5070.

About Care Plus Foundation
The Care Plus Foundation – a supporting arm of Care Plus NJ – was created with a mission to decrease the stigma of mental illness and pave the way to accessibility of care for those looking to seek help. As a 501c(3) non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible in accordance with Federal and State regulations.

About Care Plus NJ Inc.
Care Plus NJ is a northern New Jersey provider of recovery-focused mental health, substance abuse and family services that addresses the unique needs of individuals with a holistic approach to recovery and overall wellness. Operating out of 23 sites their services are convenient to clients located throughout Northern New Jersey.
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Care Plus Foundation
Alexis Fatigati
201-986-5070
www.careplusfoundation.org
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