By Ann Adams

       Usually a MADD chapter is in place then a Victim Advocate is brought in to service victims but here in Marion County it was just the opposite. In March 1999, I became the Victim Advocate for MADD. In December of that same year I was put to the test when I was informed of a crash that took place 2 days after Christmas involving a beautiful 18-year-old girl named Alicia Calloway. After speaking with Officers Yonce and Greenwell who covered the crash I made the initial contact with the Calloway family. During the next several months with Alicia in rehab it became quite apparent to me that a chapter was needed in Marion County because of the many victims who needed support.

       In April 2001, a letter was sent out to concerned citizens announcing a chapter organizational meeting that would be held May 2. There was an overwhelming response at the meeting with numerous community leaders in attendance. Attorney Bill Gladson, Ruthann Dunigan and Karen Calloway volunteered to organize the chapter. Board members were Bill Gladson - President, Karen Calloway - Vice President, Arlene Rutherford - Secretary and Ruthann Dunigan - Treasurer. In December 2001, we held the 1st Candlelight Vigil in front of the courthouse with 65 in attendance. As part of our mission we wanted to reach out to underage drinkers. Alicia and Karen Calloway started doing presentations that tell the story of her crash, hospitalization and continuing recovery. They have reached out to over 8000 students thus far. Since that time we held our 2nd Candlelight Vigil at the downtown square with over 100 people in attendance. Several members of the chapter participate in the Marion County Victim Impact Panel, which has been in existence since 1991. The VIP was formed to give these offenders a first-hand glimpse at what their actions might have caused and could cause should they choose to make the deadly mistake to combine drinking and driving again. MADD members Arlene Rutherford and Chris Vanlue were original members of the panel and have spoken to thousands of people. Our chapter also participates in all DUI Checkpoints in Marion County with local law enforcement agencies. In October 2002 we collaborated with ClearChannel Outdoor to install a billboard promoting DUI Public Awareness. Pictured on the billboard is deceased 9 month old Grace Redgate. Our second billboard will have pictured Alicia Calloway. In January 2003, our MADD Roving Billboard driven by Les Ayers of CP&L Trucking took the road. There are 5 victims pictured on the truck. They include Eugene McBride, Grace Redgate, Adam and Elizabeth Piperato, Deputy Bill Rutherford and Alicia Calloway. In February 2003, we held our first fundraising event. The MADD Dash 5K Run/Walk was a total and complete success. As you can see what started as an idea has been embraced by the community as our chapter continues to grow.