Dear Friend,

On January 1, 1967, a drunk driver hit my grandfather and grandmother.  A few days later my grandfather died.  I had just turned one at the time, and my brothers Steve and Mike were three and five, respectively.  I never got to know my grandfather.  My brothers’ memories are few.  My mother and father still tell the story of how, whenever our grandpa and grandma came for a visit, Mike always wanted to go home with them.  He would drop all his toys, stop whatever he was doing, pack his bag, and jump in his grandpa’s truck.  We lost a lifetime of love in one day, all because somebody made the poor choice to drive drunk.

This is why I support Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).  Do you know why I think you should too?  Drunk driving doesn’t just affect the other guy.  It knows no boundaries and crosses all borders.  It’s color blind, has no prejudices, is without discrimination.  Everyone is at risk:  Moms and Dads, Sons and Daughters, family and friends.  Grandpas. 

In Texas , we share the road with 124,667 people who have been convicted 3 or more times of driving while intoxicated.  And Texas leads the nation in drunk driving fatalities.

Yes – you agree, but there are so many good causes out there to support.  I ask you to consider this fact.  Drunk driving is 100% preventable.  We know the cause.  We know the cure.  We can make a difference.  This is something that together, we can tackle – we can do something to stop drunk driving.  I like being a part of that.

MADD East Texas provides victims services, education and prevention, and political advocacy and activism throughout our 49-county region.  Every day, our small staff and core volunteers work hard to deliver our mission:  to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and to prevent underage drinking.  We need your help.

How can you help?  Here are just some of the ways: 

• Make a financial donation to MADD East Texas.
• Attend and sponsor our major awareness campaign, “Tie One On For Safety,” on November 17, 2009. 
• Visit our website – www.madd.org/tx/east - and sign the pledge to Eliminate Drunk Driving. 
• Volunteer.
• Get Involved. 

Thank you for letting me share my story.  I hope we can count on your support.  For more information, please contact Rita Fryer at 903-534-6000 or rita.fryer@madd.org. 

Warm regards,

Suzi Stein

Suzi Stein    
CFO, Threlkeld Insurance
MADD East Texas Regional Operations Council
Vice Chair, Fundraising