News Details (Posted: November 14, 2007):

Altamonte Springs Candlelight Vigil

Full Description:

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Central Florida Chapter, will be holding a Candlelight Vigil on November 16 at 6:30 pm in the Eastmonte Civic Center, Altamonte Springs.

MADD "holds annual Candlelight Vigils of Remembrance and Hope to honor family members, friends, and loved ones who were needlessly killed or injured by drunk or impaired drivers."

According to Connie Beard, a volunteer for MADD and a mother who lost her son to a drunk driver last Christmas, the candlelight vigil "gives both the loved ones and friends of the victims of the crime, both surviving and deceased, a place to gather together and unite."

Ms. Beard emphasizes that Matt, her son, was so full of life that she cannot let a drunk driver silence him. "I have to be his voice," she stated with clear intent.

One of the primary goals of MADD is to provide victim services to victims who have been injured or impaired in driving crashes and to families whose loved ones have been killed or injured as a result of these crashes.

MADD also has Youth Programs available, such as: School Presentations and Multi-Media Shows which educate our youth about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Special guest speaker Anna Redgate will address the issues of drunk driving. She lost her 9 month old daughter to a drunk driver on January 1, 2000.

The event includes a special benefit performance by local jazz artist Lindy Romez. Lindy requests that those attending bring a framed photo of a loved one to share at their memory table.

The Lyman High School Chorus will also be performing at the event.

The Eastmonte Civic Center is located at 830 Magnolia Drive, Altamonte Springs. For further information, please contact MADD at 407-831-6233.