Part 1 of Spring Newsletter

• Volunteers … providing MADD with support
• Focus on Volunteers: Bob Marlowe
• Focus on Volunteers: Gail Martinez
• The Cocktail Neckwear Collection, by STONEHENGE, LTD.
• Board Elections
• The Action Guide that helps everyone fight drunk driving

Part 2 of Spring Newsletter

• Letter from the Executive Director
• Restaurants Are Enthusiastically Designating Drivers
• Send MADD your car via UPS
• Parenting for Prevention
• "If there’s anything I can do, just let me know."

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

MADD's efforts to increase the awareness and perception of the realities of driving under the influence are having a positive impact.

With the support of our loyal members, we have been able to educate thousands of people through the media, public awareness programs and word of mouth.

The improvement in Orange County manifests itself in the statistics; since 1992, we have seen a 30.9% decrease in injuries and a 9.2% decrease in fatalities due to alcohol related crashes.

These are numbers to take note of! Each life we save is a unique individual, with family, friends and qualities that have an impact on our society.

Unfortunately, there is an average of 7 alcohol-related injuries per day in Orange County, so there is still much work to be done in our community.

At this time, we would like to encourage you to renew your expired membership with your local chapter of MADD, if you have not already done so.

Each membership donation goes directly into our lifesaving educational programs, and the entire amount of your gift stays right here in Orange County to combat drunk driving where we need it the most... at home.

Sincerely,

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Restaurants Are Enthusiastically Designating Drivers

Looking for a great place to eat? Of course, good food is a must. You also want great service and a caring, compassionate staff.

Well, look no further! MADD has found them for you! All over Orange County, restaurants are proving their concern for the community and their patrons by eagerly hopping on board our Designated Driver Program.

We are proud to encourage your patronage at the following establishments:

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Send MADD your car via UPS (Ultimate Prevention Supplement)

Have you just bought a new car, and now don’t know what to do with the old one? Whatever the reason, you have this really great set of wheels that you no longer need, but don’t have the time or inclination to sell. Once again, it’s MADD to the rescue! Donate your car to MADD Orange County, and write it off on your taxes… and let your gift help save lives.

Simply call 1 (800) 545-4613, and give the representative information on your vehicle (the year, make, model and title information). Then let them know that you want the proceeds to go to the Orange County Chapter of MADD.

A tow-truck will be dispatched to your home to retrieve your vehicle at no cost to you. All vehicles over $5,000 in value will require an appraisal. In all other cases, a copy of the Kelly Blue Book market report for your car will be sent to you, along with your donor receipts.

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Parenting for Prevention

Call our office at (714) 838-6199 for a free copy of the book "Parenting For Prevention" (While supplies last)

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"If there’s anything I can do, just let me know."

This is what many of us say to the newly bereaved friend or relative and we sincerely mean what we say. We would do anything to help. But does the bereaved one call us and say, "I’ve thought of something you can do to help me"? Not usually. Clearly, we need to take some initiative if we are truly trying to assist and comfort one who is grieving. There is wisdom in knowing what to say and what not to say, what to do and what not to do.

• Listen Fully: One of the most helpful things you can do is to share the bereaved one’s pain by listening. Some may need to talk about their loved one who has died, about the incident that caused the death, or about their feelings since the death. So ask, "Would you care to talk about it?" Let them decide. Listen patiently and sympathetically without necessarily feeling that you have to provide answers or solutions. Allow them to express whatever they share.

• Be there: Make yourself available, not just for the first few days when many friends are present, but even months later when others have returned to their normal routine. Don’t worry. Being there means more than you know. Nothing you can say or do will "fix it", so your role is to stand by them as they go through this experience. For years afterwards, anniversary dates (such as the wedding anniversary, or date of the death) can be a stressful time for the survivors. Why not mark such dates on your calendar so that when they come around, you can make yourself available, if necessary, for sympathetic support?

• Take appropriate initiative: Are there errands that need to be run? Is someone needed to watch the children or pets? Do visiting friends and relatives need a place to stay? Recently bereaved persons are often so stunned that they do not even know what they need to do, let alone tell others how they may help. So if you discern a genuine need, do not wait to be asked… take the initiative.

• Be hospitable: We should especially should we remember to be hospitable to those who are grieving. Instead of a "come anytime" invitation, set a date and time. If they refuse, do not give up too easily. Some gentle encouragement may be needed. Perhaps they decline your invitation because they are afraid of losing control of their emotions in front of others. Or they may feel guilty about enjoying a meal and companionship at such a time.

• Be patient and understanding: Do not be too surprised by what bereaved ones may say at first. Remember, they may be feeling angry or guilty. Accept all feelings. Don’t try to talk anyone out of what they feel. If an outburst is directed at you, patience on your part will help you to respond to the irritation.

• Write a letter: Often overlooked is the value of a letter of condolence or a sympathy card. Its advantage? It can say that you care and that you share a special memory about the deceased, or it can show how the person who died touched your life.

• Do not keep away because you do not know what to say or do.

• It may be best not to say, "He/she led a good full life.", "At least he/she didn’t…", or "You’re fortunate to have so many others who love you."

Helping a bereaved person calls for compassion, discernment and love on your part. Do not wait for the bereaved one to come to you. Do not simply say, "If there’s anything I can do…" Find that "anything" yourself, and take the appropriate initiative.

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