MIkey Hoeven receives Racicot award

The Leadership To Keep Children Alcohol Free Foundation announced on Tuesday that North Dakota first lady Mikey Hoeven has been selected the 2009 recipient of the foundation’s highest award, The Racicot Leadership Award, by her peers.

The Leadership Foundation is composed of nearly 50 current and former governors’ spouses who are concerned about childhood drinking. Started as an initiative of first ladies in 2000 by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, it developed into its own non-partisan, nonprofit organization, under the direction of first lady emeritus of Montana, Theresa Racicot.

“This award is a real honor for me and the state of North Dakota,” Hoeven said. “It represents the great work that is being done across the state by parents, educators, community and state leaders, and industry professionals to advance the awareness and education of underage drinking and to keep our youth alcohol free.”

Hoeven was chosen for this recognition based on her strong commitment to preventing and reducing childhood drinking since becoming First Lady in December 2000. She is co-chair of the Leadership Foundation, started the successful “Let’s Keep Our Kids Alcohol Free” campaign, raised money for her efforts through Applebee’s and a MOMS cookbook, created the “I Choose” CD and serves on the Governor’s Prevention Advisory Council on Drugs and Alcohol.

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