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MADD Honors Victims and Survivors of Drunk Driving with Inaugural Day of Remembrance Event

Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Southwest Florida hosted its inaugural Day of Remembrance Event on Thursday, Dec. 3 to honor those affected by drunk and drugged driving.
The theme of the event was, “You Always Have A Place,” in order to remind those who have lost anyone to drunk or drugged driving that although their loved ones may not be physically present, they will always have a place in their lives. The Day of Remembrance was a national event that took place at MADD organizations across the country to culminate the organization’s 35th anniversary and was the first of its kind in the southwest Florida community.
“We did have a lot of people come to support their loved ones and a lot of survivors actually showed up too,” said Malaina Mote, a MADD intern and FGCU student. “It wasn’t just our board members and fellow policemen, it was a lot of people from the community that did come out to the event.”
The Day of Remembrance event included a poetry reading as well as a candle lighting ceremony and an emotional musical tribute. Those present at the event had the opportunity to share their stories and to spread awareness about the issue of drunk driving.
“In 1991, our 20-year-old daughter was killed by a drunk driver 220 feet from our house,” said Phillip Croy, a MADD attendee. “People don’t realize how serious it is until a tragedy hits them.”
Tying in with the theme of the event, attendees had the opportunity to decorate plates in memory of their loved ones. It was also encouraged for victims and survivors to bring a recipe that would be submitted into the “You Always Have A Place” Victim Tribute Recipe Book. Attendees were able to provide a recipe, photo and description of their loved one or a memory with their loved one in honor of them.
MADD will continue to accept recipes and photos for the Victim Tribute Recipe Book until Dec. 20. Anyone who wishes to submit a recipe and photo to commemorate a loved one can do so by emailing it to [email protected] or by stopping by the MADD office located at 13130 Westlinks Terrace, Suite 8 in Fort Myers. For more information about MADD or to get involved with the organization, visit www.MADD.org/southwestfl.

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