Friday, June 11, 2010

Jay Leno Teams Up With CAID

We're getting ready for the 3rd Annual CAID Softball Tournament on Saturday, August 14th at Sunshine Park in West Seneca.

We just learned that Jay Leno (Host of the Tonight Show, in case you've been living under a rock) is donating a 32 inch autographed television that we're going to raffle off. We're also going to have autographed merchandise from Bills, Sabres, gift certificates to local restaurants...and so many gift baskets!!! We're also expecting a well-known former Buffalo Bills running back to make another appearance to sign autographs.

Don't forget that at least a dozen teams will be hitting the diamonds to play ball too. It's a one pitch softball tournament that gets underway at 8am. We're expecting some great weather - perfect for lots of fun.

The real reason we're going to be there is to raise money for Crusade Against Impaired Driving - a non-profit dedicated to fighting DWI in Western New York.

If you'd like to register a team, donate to our silent auction, or volunteer to help, email us at info@karenscrusade.org.

You can find all the info on the softball tournament page right here on karenscrusade.org.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Where I have been

I'm happy to report a new addition to my family. My daughter was born on March 9, 2010.

Since then I've been very busy caring for the little one.

I plan to head out to two schools this prom season to spread the important anti-DWI message. I'll be at Eden High School on May 3 and South Park on May 21.

We are also busy planning the 3rd Annual CAID Softball Tournament. Head to this page for more info.

If you took part in the tournament last year, and would like to register again - contact us ASAP at info@karenscrusade.org.

I'll be sure to post updates here on the blog as the tourney gets closer.

Thanks!

D

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Remembering K.K. 12 years later

It's hard to believe it's been 12 years since Karen was ripped out of our lives by a drunk driver.

Years before her death, she purchased this single. I know she wants us to remember her for the kind-hearted, loving person she was. She remains an angel guiding me through this latest stage of my life and protecting me and my unborn child from harm.



I love you K.K., you'll remain in my heart always.

Dee

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Leandra's Law: DWI With Kids in the Car

A new law was passed in late 2009 which reinforces the concept that not only should drivers not be driving while intoxicated, but they also should not be driving while intoxicated with kids in the car.

It's called Leandra's Law, named after a young girl in Long Island who died tragically and senselessly in a DWI crash. It elevates a DWI charge to a class E felony when children 15 and younger are in the car.

Obviously there was a need for the law. In less than a month, three Western New Yorkers have already been charged with felonies under this law. The most recent was a Buffalo mother traveling with her 15 year old son in Colden who was charged this weekend. Last week, an Angola mother had her 3-year old child in the car with her when she was charged. Hypodermic needles were found in the child's coloring book. She probably won't be nominated for "Mother of the Year" anytime soon.

It seems like a basic concept to me, why would you endanger you, let alone your children after having one too many?

Good to see that local officers are enforcing this new law, and hopefully it's stopping irresponsible parents before it's too late.

Until next time,

Deanna

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Happy Holidays & Party Safe!

'Tis the season to enjoy family, friends, and parties. Keep in mind that everyone cherishes their loved ones, and the holidays are one of the hardest times of the year for people who've lost loved ones.

I speak from personal experience. Listening to Christmas carols, I was taken back to my childhood when my sister and I would create our own lyrics to "Rudolph" and over-exaggerate "Gloria...In Excelsius Deo". We loved to celebrate Christmas.

Karen's not here physically, but she'll always be a part of our hearts. Each Christmas, we hang a special ornament with her photo on the tree...she'll never be forgotten.

Please party safe so all can enjoy these special moments with their loved ones.

On behalf of all the CAID volunteers, we'd like to wish you and your families Happy Holidays!

Deanna

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Ignition Interlock Devices for DWI offenders

New York is blazing a path, and CAID couldn't be happier. Lawmakers just gave the green light to one of the toughest sets of anti-drunien-driving statutes in the nation.

It's a huge step to making our roads safer from drunk drivers. Tuesday in Albany, the state assembly passed a measure that special ignition locking devices can be imposed on any driver convicted of drunk driving. This includes first-time offenders.

The legislation also means those drivers caught drinking and driving with a child (passenger 15 and under) in the car could soon face a felony, that would bring up the charge from a misdemeanor.

How do these ignition interlocking devices work? A driver would blow into the device and the car wouldn't start if the driver has any measurable level of alcohol in his or her system. Interlocks may be set for "running retests" which require a driver to provide breath tests at regular intervals. That If a driver fails a running retest, the car's horn will blare and/or lights will flash to hopefully alert a police.

The bill is named after 11 year old Leandra Rosado. She was killed on October 11th in Manhattan, her father was a major advocate for the legislation, personally lobbying lawmakers.

Kudos to New York lawmakers...they woke up to the fact that DWI continues to make our roads dangerous. This legislation could be the starting point for turning things around.


Deanna

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Talking to Students

October is Red Ribbon Month, also known as drug prevention month at schools. CAID has been doing the rounds at various schools.

First, CAID presented Karen's story to sophomores at South Park High School. Students were very receptive to the message. Then, just a couple days later it was off to Mount Mercy Academy. I knew that it would be emotional, returning to my alma mater (and my sister's). The girls were very attentive and I was impressed by the maturity and interesting questions.

Just last Friday, I went to Trocaire College where the group was older, yet still very encouraging that despite how emotional this can be, the message needs to be delivered.

This Wednesday, we're headed to West Seneca West.

CAID is planning a DWI awareness day this holiday season. Everyone's invited to see us at the Walden Galleria Mall on Sunday, December 6.

If you're interested in Deanna's pregnancy as she prepares for her new addition - head to MyBuffalo.com and search "Baby Chronicles".

Until next time...

Deanna