Mothers Against Drunk Driving Celebrates 300,000 Lives Saved
TRENTON, N.J.--Sept. 22, 2005--Proformance Insurance:-- Governor Codey Unwraps MADD New Jersey Silver Anniversary Celebration
-- Proformance Insurance Makes $10,000 Gift
-- Auto Retailers to Sponsor Fall Awareness Campaign, Kick off with $25,000 Gift
Acting NJ Governor Richard Codey today officially launched the New Jersey celebration of Mothers Against Drunk Driving's 25th Anniversary. A $10,000 anniversary gift to MADD was presented by NJ-based Proformance Insurance, and a new partnership between MADD and New Jersey's automobile dealers was launched with a check for $25,000.
The Governor joined the insurance and auto dealer representatives, legislators, law enforcement, traffic safety officials, and MADD volunteers and staff outside the State House to reflect on progress in the nation and state to stop America's most commonly committed violent crime.
"Over the past decade drunk drivers have devastated more than 3,000 families (in New Jersey)," said Codey. "Without the work of Mothers Against Drunk Driving to protect our families this number would be even greater. I congratulate them on their anniversary and encourage them to keep working hard to make our roadways safer."
Officially established September 5, 1980, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has helped save more than 300,000 lives since its inception.
"One of those 300,000 lives saved may have been yours," said Teresa S. Stevens, MADD's New Jersey State Executive Director. "MADD's greatest achievement is in never letting us forget that behind the statistics are real people, innocent people, who bear the true burden of this violent and 100 percent preventable crime," said Teresa S. Stevens, MADD's New Jersey State Executive Director.
During the launch event, a gift of $10,000 was presented by Proformance Insurance "in celebration of MADD's silver anniversary, and in support of MADD's continuing work to stop drunk driving, support victims and prevent underage drinking," said James V. Gorman, Chief Executive Officer of National Atlantic Holdings Corporation and its subsidiary, Proformance.
In addition, Stevens announced that the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR) will sponsor MADD's fall "Tie One On For Safety" red ribbon campaign in New Jersey. A check to MADD from the NJ CAR Foundation for $25,000 was presented by Jim Tino, Jr., Chairman of NJ CAR and owner of Multi Chevrolet and Saturn of Union, both in Union, NJ.
"Both MADD and New Jersey's automotive retailers want to see everyone driving safe, sober and buckled up," noted Tino. Tino reported several dozen dealerships, including his own, have already committed to the fall campaign and more are enrolling every day. According to Tino, MADD could receive a total of $50,000 or more in contributions from auto dealers. Participating dealerships will distribute red ribbons to the general public and contribute $1 to MADD NJ for every car sold from October 1 through December 31. Participating dealers are listed on the MADD NJ website at www.madd.org/nj.
The Tie One On For Safety campaign urges motorists to tie a red ribbon on their automobile as a visible safety reminder during the holiday season when alcohol-related fatalities and injuries tend to increase. Tie One On For Safety is MADD's longest running public awareness campaign, and is being sponsored nationally for the third consecutive year by Takata, the largest provider of safety belts and a leading global automotive safety systems supplier.
A commemorative silver ribbon is also available this year from MADD chapters and the State Office. To contact a local chapter, get more information about anniversary events in New Jersey, and find a participating auto dealer, visit www.madd.org/nj or call 609.585.7233. For those affected by a drunk driving crash, the NJ Victim Hotline is 1-800-448-MADD. Assistance is also available 24 hours a day at 1-877-MADD-HELP.
For more information on MADD's history and national 25th Anniversary activities, visit www.madd.org/25.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Founded in 1980, MADD is a MADD is a 501 (c)(3) charity with approximately 600 affiliates nationwide, plus affiliates in Canada, Japan, Puerto Rico and Sweden. MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. For more information or to become a member, visit www.madd.org or call 609.585.7233.
About Takata
Takata, National Presenting Sponsor of MADD's Tie One On For Safety ribbon campaign, is the world's largest provider of safety belts and a leading global automotive safety systems supplier. Takata offers a full line of seat belts, frontal and side impact airbags, steering wheels, safety electronics including rollover protection and crash avoidance systems, and a broad range of interior trim components. Takata's U.S. automotive safety headquarters are in Auburn Hills, Mich. www.takata.com
About Proformance Insurance
Proformance Insurance was started in 1994 as an agent-owned domestic insurance company. The founders of Proformance remain committed to NJ as a market and are dedicated exclusively to serving the insurance needs of citizens of the State of New Jersey. Proformance is proud of its New Jersey heritage and employs New Jersey residents in its Freehold office, some of whom may be your neighbors. Proformance is among the top ten writers of automobile insurance in New Jersey, and insures more than 125,000 New Jersey drivers, 25,000 homeowners and 5,000 businesses. www.proformance.com
About the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR)
The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR) was founded in 1918 and is a non-profit organization serving more than 600 franchised new car and truck retailers throughout New Jersey. NJ CAR promotes the principals of commercial honor and integrity in the sale and service of motor vehicles. NJ CAR keeps its members informed on a variety of business matters, practices, trends, and legislation. The Coalition also works to ensure all members are educated regarding what is required to achieve regulatory compliance. www.njcar.org
