MADD And Chevrolet Premiere "IRL ... in real life," A Multimedia School Assembly Program

New program about the dangers of underage drinking to debut at Troy Athens High School

What: Developed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and sponsored by Chevrolet, IRL ... in real life is a celebrity-packed, multimedia school assembly program that will make its metro Detroit debut at Troy Athens High School. Following the premiere, "IRL" will travel to other metro Detroit area schools.

Chevrolet is the national presenting sponsor and the official vehicle for the program's nationwide tour. A specially marked Chevy Suburban will also be on-site. MADD is a non-profit grassroots organization with approximately 600 chapters and 2 million members and supporters nationwide. MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.

When: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 9:30 a.m. Press Conference 10 a.m. IRL ... in real life

Where: Troy Athens High School 4333 John R Rd. (between Wattles and Long Lake) Troy, Mich. 48085 (248) 524-1200

Who: Bob Lange, executive director, vehicle safety, General Motors Rick Scheidt, full-size truck marketing director, Chevrolet Wendy Hamilton, national president, MADD Capt. Damon Shields, Oakland County Sheriff's Department Vanessa Solis, 16-year-old Troy Athens High School junior, drunk driving victim

Why: Alcohol is the No. 1 youth drug problem, killing 6.5 times more young people than all other illicit drugs combined. Research shows that the earlier youth begin drinking, the more likely they are to suffer injuries, binge drink and drive drunk. IRL ... in real life addresses issues that influence teens' decisions, particularly about alcohol and other drug use.