Contact: Carl Nathe

In 2003, a study conducted by a researcher at Utah State University indicated that the cost to Kentucky for divorce is about $650 million annually.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 28, 2005) -- With Valentine’s Day right around the corner it’s an appropriate time to address the subject of marriage, more specifically, to examine what factors contribute to a healthy marriage.

That’s at the heart of an event being held in Lexington on Saturday, Feb. 5, as an outgrowth of a collaborative effort by Bluegrass Healthy Marriages Partnership (BHMP), the University of Kentucky Department of Family Studies, and the state of Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “A Celebration of Marriage Dinner Theatre” will get underway at 6 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Lexington on Newtown Pike.

BHMP, a non-profit organization, is sponsoring the evening of food, information, and entertainment. Jeff and Debby McElroy, a married couple from Knoxville, Tenn., will perform following dinner. The pair is nationally-known for their marriage enrichment seminars, utilizing a combination of humor, insight, straight talk and experience.

UK , together with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and BHMP, has applied for a federal grant for $1 million to initiate a research-based community healthy marriages initiative that could be replicated in other areas of Kentucky and nationwide.

“This research is what we’re about in our department,” said Gladys Hildreth, professor and chair of UK’s Department of Family Studies. “We are committed to outreach and being engaged in the dynamics which lead to successful outcomes for our families and in turn, our future generations.”

A recent national survey indicated that 93 percent of Americans view marriage as an important goal in their lives. Greg Thompson, a doctoral student in family studies at UK who serves as executive vice president of BHMP, said of the organization, “It’s about helping those who choose marriage for themselves to have as good a marriage as they can possibly have. We pursue that in light of the family social research of the last 15 years or so that tells us that children are at significant advantages when their own mom and dad are able to maintain a relatively strong marital relationship.”

In 2003, a study conducted by a researcher at Utah State University indicated that the cost to Kentucky for divorce is about $650 million annually.

“While marriage is a private relationship, when it breaks down it has significant consequences for society,” said Eugene Foster, undersecretary for children and family services in the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “This is particularly true when children are involved. It’s time that we seek ways to strengthen marriage and support healthy families in the Commonwealth.”

The dinner theater on Feb. 5 is suggested for married couples, engaged couples, individuals who want to honor their parents’ or other relatives’ marriages, and for those who are just interested in a nice event designed to honor the institution of marriage. To purchase tickets or to get more information about “A Celebration of Marriage Dinner Theatre,” call (859) 272-8685 or e-mail events@bluegrassmarriages.org. Tickets also may be obtained online through eBay Giving Works by visiting eBay.com, and searching on “A Celebration of Marriage.” Tickets purchased prior to Feb. 1 receive a substantial discount.