To rant or to rave?

Many associate the word rave with the drug ecstasy and don’t want their teens anywhere near the event.

Organizer, Dawn Penney is not happy with the public’s response.

“I’m frustrated, I do not want to have drugs associated with my good name,” Penney says. “The biggest response from parents is ‘there’s going to be drugs there;’ there’s going to be drugs anywhere a teen goes these days.”

Penney has a passion for planning events and has organized successful dances in the past without trouble in addition to organizing a 30-hour famine fundraiser for the past three years.

“I understand the negative impact of the word (rave),” explains Penney. “I used it to make a point and people shouldn’t jump to conclusions because of one simple word.”

Penney has contracted security to ensure the event will be drug-free, alcohol-free and substance-free.

“I have good communication with the police about the event and have informed security that if anyone is suspected of use of drugs or violence, they will be kicked out.”

Penney is against drug use and is donating 10 per cent of the proceeds to the Phoenix Youth Program to help young people get off drugs and alcohol.

“I understand the parents’ concern,” admits Penney. “They worry about their teens out there making choices but if they taught their kids well then they (teens) should make the right choices.”

Penney adds she believes teens choose drugs due to a lack of self-esteem rather than peer pressure.

“I never hung out with the drug crowd,” Penney says. “I was never that stupid.”