MADD of N.J. Marks 25 Years with Help from Auto Insurers, Dealers

Acting New Jersey Governor Richard Codey today officially launched the New Jersey celebration of Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s 25th Anniversary. A $10,000 anniversary gift to MADD was presented by N.J.-based Proformance Insurance, and a new partnership between MADD and New Jersey’s automobile dealers was launched with a check for $25,000.

The Governor joined the insurance and auto dealer representatives, legislators, law enforcement, traffic safety officials, and MADD volunteers and staff outside the State House to reflect on progress in the nation and state to stop America’s most commonly committed violent crime.

“Over the past decade drunk drivers have devastated more than 3,000 families (in New Jersey),” said Codey. “Without the work of Mothers Against Drunk Driving to protect our families this number would be even greater. I congratulate them on their anniversary and encourage them to keep working hard to make our roadways safer.”

Officially established Sept. 5, 1980, Mothers Against Drunk Driving claims to have helped save more than 300,000 lives since its inception.

“One of those 300,000 lives saved may have been yours,” said Teresa S. Stevens, MADD’s New Jersey State executive director. “MADD’s greatest achievement is in never letting us forget that behind the statistics are real people, innocent people, who bear the true burden of this violent and 100 percent preventable crime.”

During the launch event, a gift of $10,000 was presented by Proformance Insurance “in celebration of MADD’s silver anniversary, and in support of MADD’s continuing work to stop drunk driving, support victims and prevent underage drinking,” said James V. Gorman, chief executive officer of National Atlantic Holdings Corporation and its subsidiary, Proformance.

In addition, Stevens announced that the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers will sponsor MADD’s fall “Tie One On For Safety” red ribbon campaign in New Jersey. A check to MADD from the NJ CAR Foundation for $25,000 was presented by Jim Tino, Jr., chairman of NJ CAR and owner of Multi Chevrolet and Saturn of Union, both in Union, N.J.

According to Tino, several dozen dealerships, including his own, have already committed to the fall campaign and more are enrolling every day. MADD could receive a total of $50,000 or more in contributions from auto dealers, he predicted.

Topics Carriers Auto New Jersey