On October 21, 2017, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) held a Vigil at the Tatemville Community Center in Savannah, Georgia. The Savannah Vigil provided crash victims, survivors, and their families in Southeast and Coastal Georgia the opportunity to connect with others impacted by drunk and drugged driving crashes in the region. Anyone emotionally impacted by a drunk or drugged driving crash was also welcome to attend. The event was organized by members of MADD Georgia’s Victim Services Staff and Programs Staff.
Families shared the impact that drunk and drugged driving crashes have had on their lives and the lives of their loved ones. MADD Georgia discussed services available to crash victims and survivors, all of which are available to families at no-charge.
The Savannah Vigil’s goal was to provide an event of remembrance and hope for all in attendance who have been impacted by the tragedy of a drunk or drugged driving crash and to let them know they always have MADD’s full support.
WTOC 11’s Crystal Howard covered the Savannah Vigil and highlighted the dangers of drunk and drugged driving and the devastating impact it has nationwide every year. Crystal interviewed Victim Services Specialist Shermaine Johnson, one of the event organizers, who summarized the event’s purpose, “One of the things we say here at MADD is it’s the family you never want, but it’s the family that you can always have.” You can watch WTOC 11’s coverage of the event here.
MADD Georgia’s Victim Services information is accessible online. If you or a loved one is a victim or survivor of a drunk or drugged driving crash, someone is always available through MADD’s 24-Hour Victim Help Line: 877-MADD-HELP.
MADD Georgia is thankful for volunteers from Savannah State University for their assistance during the event and the show of support from officers of the Chatham County Police Department that attended. MADD Georgia is also grateful for the support of local businesses in the region whose generous donations allowed the event to take place.
