MADD Colorado Recognizes Community Difference Makers at 2011 MADDvocate Appreciation Event

MADD Colorado celebrates the efforts of volunteers, sponsors, donors and community supporters

DENVER, March 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Colorado held their annual MADDvocate Appreciation event honoring the efforts of their dedicated volunteers, sponsors, donors and community supporters. The 2011 MADDvocate Appreciation event took place at The Inverness Hotel & Conference Center in Englewood, Colo. The morning included brunch and an awards ceremony honoring "MADD Heroes"—those outstanding individuals who have contributed to furthering MADD's mission.

"Without the dedication of our volunteers and community supporters and the generosity of our sponsors and donors, MADD Colorado's programs and services simply would not be possible," said Emily Tompkins, MADD Colorado's State Executive Director. "We are grateful for all that our MADDvocates do to make our programs a reality. Our victim services, advocacy, youth programs, victim impact panels and events like Walk Like MADD® happen thanks to efforts of our MADDvocates."

The 2011 event was presented by the law firm of Bachus & Schanker, MADD Colorado's 2011 Statewide Sponsor. "Our law firm sees the devastating effects of drunk driving crashes every day. The individuals honored here today work tirelessly to accomplish MADD's lifesaving mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. We're proud to work with them to make our communities safer," said Kyle Bachus, Founding Partner of Bachus & Schanker.

MADD Colorado honored Barbara Brodt, Jonni Conant, Dawn Cortez, Jennifer Gray, Sandee Morgan, Joan Palmer, Ron Palmer, and Kathy Tafoya as 2011 MADD Heroes for their dedication and service to MADD's mission. In recognition of their longstanding contributions to MADD Colorado as corporate sponsors, American Family Insurance and Bachus & Schanker, LLC were also honored as MADD Heroes.

For more information on how to volunteer with MADD Colorado or to make a donation to support MADD's work in Colorado, please visit http://www.madd.org/co.

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Founded by a mother who lost her daughter in a crash, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation's largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking.  With the help of those who want a safer future, MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® will end this danger on American roads.  And, Power of Parents, It's Your Influence® offers research-proven strategies to help parents keep their children safe from the dangers of underage drinking.  One of the largest victim services organizations in the U.S., MADD also supports drunk driving victims and survivors – serving one person every 10 minutes – at no charge.  To learn more about MADD, visit www.madd.org or call 1-800-GET-MADD.  For victims/survivors, call 1-877-MADD-HELP.

SOURCE Mothers Against Drunk Driving Colorado