"Where's Jennifer?" The Sadness and Danger Of Drunk Driving

FOR RELEASE: July 26, 2002

Dealer Organizes Charity Golf Tournament to Benefit Mothers Against Drunk Driving(MADD)

Grand Auto general manager shares account of personal tragedy in message to teens about the dangers of drunk driving

Denver, Colo.- Proceeds from an annual golf tournament organized by Grand Auto Inc., in Thornton, Colo. will be donated this year to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The tournament, which will be held Sunday, Aug. 11 at Heritage Golf Course at Westmoor, will also help introduce a two-day program called "Where's Jennifer?" that will be launched next spring.

Mike Malin, vice president and general manager of Grand Auto, lost his 22-year-old daughter, Jennifer, in an alcohol-related accident two years ago. He says that he and his wife named the program in memory of their only daughter and designed it to carry a strong message to teens and young adults about the dangers of drunk driving. "More than 300 people a week are killed in alcohol-related accidents, in the U.S. That's a scary number especially when you consider that each death touches so many lives - mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children of other family members as well as friends and co-workers."

As part of the two-day program, which will take place prior to prom season next year, a mock accident will be staged at an area high school. Students will then visit area emergency rooms where doctors will talk about the horror they have witnessed due to alcohol-related accidents. Students will also visit area morgues, jails and prisons. Local judges will hold a mock trial and answer questions from students. The following day, Malin and representatives from MADD together with an individual convicted in an alcohol-related accident will speak to the student body.

"In addition, Peter Coors and Colorado First Lady Frances Owens will speak to the kids," said Malin. "We're looking to really make these young adults think about their choices and understand the ramifications and sorrow that one bad choice can have."

The entire project will be filmed and produced into a 30-minute video that can be shown at area schools. Grand Auto will sell a special edition anniversary Pontiac Firebird to help support the "Where's Jennifer?" project.