Urgent News To All People of Delaware

Dear Friends and Partners:

I have had the wonderful opportunity to work for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and directly with many of you.  I entirely support and believe in the mission of MADD and the work it has achieved and will achieve towards eliminating drunk driving.  So what I have to share is not easy and to be truthful, I am writing with tearful eyes and heavy heart. 

It is no secret that the economy has taken its toll on MADD and many other non-profits.  We have seen the direct effects with the closing of a few MADD offices throughout the country earlier this year.  I am grateful that the MADD Delaware office was able to delay its closing in hopes of more prosperous times.  On August 23^rd, the Georgetown Police Department held the First Annual RIDE to Benefit MADD Delaware to help raise funds so that our life-saving work could continue.  The event was a great success, raising a little over $5,000 which helped sustain MADD Delaware for a brief time.  Since 1998 when Dolly Banks founded the MADD Delaware Chapter, we have hosted many successful gatherings and events, been there to support victims during terrible years of drunk driving crashes, continued to show support for local law enforcement, shared in the passing of several supported DUI laws, worked with many local and state agencies to make the highways of Delaware safer from impaired driving and continued to maintain our local MADD presence for eleven years.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has had to make cuts in staff this year and recently more due to unsuccessful granting of federal stimulus monies.  This month ten positions at the national level were eliminated and several others in the field.  In Delaware  , we remain hopeful that some of the funding will come through that we have applied for through foundations and community groups within the State, allowing us to continue the programs and services to victims.  Additionally, donations from concerned citizens will help cover the cost of services provided at no charge to the victim or survivor, as well as help us deliver programs and advocacy efforts. There is still time to ensure that MADD Delaware will be able to continue our work here.  I am calling on all people of Delaware  to join together and help raise the funds needed to sustain us.  Our operational needs are only $50,000 for a year. This will cover dedicated staff support of victims, media outreach, general inquiries, volunteer recruitment, speaking opportunities and other programs and services. Without your help, there will no longer be local staff or a local office and the details of local contact efforts are still unclear.  Please feel free to contact me by email at: Nancy.raynor@madd.orgto discuss how you can help ensure the future of MADD in our community.  Donations can be made payable to MADD Delaware and sent to: MADD Delaware, 2103 Caitlins Way  , Millsboro  , DE 19966 .  All funds raised will be used right here in Delaware so that our services, programs and life-saving work will continue.  Without your donations, all services that are provided by MADD Delaware will end on October 31st.

I am very proud to be a part of a special group of people that cares about our community, state and the welfare and safety of others.  Thank you for allowing me to serve along side of you.

My last day will be October 31^st, but the services that MADD provides to the victim/survivors of alcohol-related crashes will continue to be supported by our national office.  The cost saving measures being taken by MADD will ensure that our vital services will continue to serve the mission of MADD and drunk driving is eliminated.  If you have questions or comments for MADD National you may call 800-438-6233 and request to speak with Vicki Knox or email Vicki at Vicki.knox@madd.org. 

Most Warmly,

Nancy Raynor

MADD Delaware Needs Your Help!!!

We are not just Mothers!!

We're dads and daughters, sons and uncles, friends and neighbors.  And mothers.  We're all ages and from all walks of life.  We speak of love and loss, but also of survival and hope.  We are committed to our mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.  From the start, people like you have supported MADD by volunteering, lending a hand or simply writing a check.  This has helped us grow to nearly 600 chapters nationwide, with supporters numbering in the millions.  We are led by men and women.  Some are victims of drunk driving, others are concerned citizens working to keep their families safe.  We are not against drinking alcohol if your are over the age of 21, but we are for 21 minimum drinking age laws because they save lives.  Our emotions may drive us to action, but logic determines our reactions.  Our policies, programs and messages are based on proven, solid science.  To find out more information about the volunteer opportunites that are available, click on the Save a Life, Be a Mother tab on the left and fill out the volunteer form online or call Nancy at 1-877-630-6233 for more information. 

Drunk Drivers on Notice: Drive Drunk, Get Arrested!

Drunk driving is one of America's deadliest crimes. In 2007, an estimated 12,998 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes nationwide involving a driver with an illegal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. 

"Driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs is illegal, yet we continue to see far too many people suffer debilitating injuries and loss of their loved ones because people make the wrong choices," said Tricia Roberts, Director of the Office of Highway Safety. "This careless disregard for human life must stop. To help ensure that happens, officers will be out in force to arrest impaired drivers. No exceptions. No excuses."  

The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. 

www.madd.org

La misión de MADD es evitar el conducir en estado de ebriedad, apoyar a las víctimas de este crimen violento y la de prevenir que los menores de edad ingieran bebidas alcohólicas.
MADD en Espanol: www.madd.org/espanol