Ann Arbor Art Center To Be Next Host Of Charity Event; Meet NPRA Lobbyist Kevin McKinney
Michigan citizens are more focused than ever on the need to establish Safe Access Centers for the distribution of medical marijuana. The Ann Arbor Art Center will host the next in a series of events to support the establishment of legal, secure and compliant centers in communities that support them.
The National Patient’s Rights Association (NPRA) is the official host of the fundraising event. Two House Representatives, Michael Callton of Nashville and Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor, will be in attendance as per usual but the unique speaker of the evening will be professional lobbyist Kevin McKinney.
McKinney, of the Lansing firm McKinney and Associates, is the lead advocate in Michigan’s legislature for safe access to medical marijuana. A cancer survivor himself, McKinney’s credentials and reputation allow him superior access to the key legislators from both sides of the aisle that make the big decisions regarding controversial issues. McKinney currently is the lobbyist for the NPRA but has worked with several organizations to represent cannabis business interests in Michigan and lobbies for other high-profile industries in the state.
In addition to the ever-present Callton and Irwin, Drew Driver rounds out the list of featured speakers for the Art Center gathering. Driver is a well-travelled member of Michigan’s cannabis community and currently serves as spokesman for the NPRA. Driver and NPRA lobbying agent Robin Schneider were both featured in a panel discussion during the recent medical marijuana convention in Grand Rapids. Other panelists at that event were Ben Horner, NPRA Board Member, and Denise Pollicella, NPRA legal advisor.
This is not the first time the Art Center has been used to promote marijuana law reform issues; in 2012 a similar gathering took place, with Irwin and Ann Arbor Councilwoman Sabra Briere as the featured speakers. I was privileged to be the emcee at that event, and served as moderator for the panel in Grand Rapids. Networking and informal discussions compose the bulk of the event; both Representatives, McKinney and Driver will be available to speak with attendees before and after the speeches.
The Art Center is a wonderful cultural experience in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. The event has a suggested donation of $150 per person, $250 per couple or $500 per business. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served, and live music will be provided by the George Bennett Trio. Proceeds will go to a fund established by the NPRA to advance activities and legislation that support safe access centers. Contact information, address and time of the event are all contained in the flyer located above. Click on the image for details. A partial list of NPRA members can be found HERE.
Source: The Compassion Chronicles
