First Dad to Head MADD
MADD to Unveil First Male National President,
Urge Congress to Save Nationwide Victims' Assistance Program,
Provide State-by-State Drunk Driving Status Report
WHAT: As part of its 25-year anniversary celebration, Mothers Against
Drunk Driving (MADD) will hold a news conference to announce the
selection of the first male to serve as its national president.
The new MADD president will share his story involving his 21-
month-old son, Courtney, who was killed by a repeat offender drunk
driver, and how a victim advocate played a role in his journey of
healing. He will also address how the Administration's plan to
divert $1.27 billion in restitution funds from the Crime Victim's
Fund will be a catastrophic blow to efforts by 4,000 community
service groups like MADD that aid crime victims most in need.
MADD's current national president will outline action needed to
turn the tide on drunk driving -- the most frequently committed
violent crime in the U.S. that persists at nearly 17,000 deaths
annually. MADD will present its top public policy priorities and
provide a state-by state status report.
WHEN: Thursday, June 9, 2005 at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: National Press Club, 529 14th Street, 13th Floor, Washington, D.C.
-- Murrow Room
WHO: Glynn Birch, incoming National President of MADD, from Orlando,
Florida. Birch will be named the first male to serve as MADD
national president.
Wendy J. Hamilton, current national president of MADD.
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) expert available to the media: Steve
Derene of the National Association of VOCA Assistance
Administrators.