When: 10 a.m., Thursday, September 29
Where: Capitol steps in Salem
On July 20, 1995, Robert “Bobby” Hafemann took his own life. He left behind a family full of grief, sadness, and a lot of questions. His sister, Ronda Hatefi, became increasingly bothered by something Bobby had said in the note he left behind. He wrote he “felt like a ghost.” Many problem gamblers voice a similar statement. In 1995 there were not a lot of places for a problem gambler to go. Since his death, treatment and outreach for gambling has grown.
In the forefront of the movement to bring awareness to the public is Ronda Hatefi. She is the founder of Oregonians for Gambling Awareness Organization (OGAO). Her hope is to strengthen the message that “gambling can become an addiction and if it does, there is hope and help.” She does not want another family to suffer the devastation of gambling that has impacted hers.
Each year since Bobby’s death, she has petitioned the Oregon Governor to proclaim September 29 as Problem Gamblers Awareness Day. For 15 years her request has been honored and, by doing so, Bobby's life has been honored. It is the anniversary of his birth. His death has become a day of hope for those hurting and suffering in silence the pains of gambling.
10:00 am on the state capitol steps -- read the rest of the news release here
