As 2022 draws to a close, and with the New Year just over the horizon, we reflect on the challenges we faced and the resulting successes we achieved as difficult and unprecedented times continued to negatively impact MADD New England. The achieved level of success was realized through perseverance, dedication, proper planning, and teamwork. We thank, first and foremost, our volunteers, who give so graciously of their time, creativity, and fortitude. Our jobs are made so much easier by those who use their free time to assist MADD throughout the New England Region, in our fight to end drunk driving and the senseless loss of innocent lives. We are most proud of our donors, (corporate, foundation, individuals) who stayed with us throughout and provided the financial resources, as they have done in the past, which enabled our staff to sustain our services/programs for victims, families, schools, and community groups. As MADD entered its 42nd year, we found ourselves still navigating the unchartered waters of a worldwide pandemic. As we ushered in 2022, there was a sense of hope that MADD could and would rebound from a difficult two+ years by welcoming back hundreds of participants at our in person public fundraising events. While our fundraising improved this year from 2021, we still have a long way to go! MADD New England is confident that we will not only fully recover, but we will blaze a new road to recovery and beyond. At this time last year, I reported on some very exciting news, a bi-partisan Congress approved a bill that mandated that all new cars soon be equipped, with the technology to detect impaired driving. The Insurance Industry believes this technology will save 9,400 lives each year. This was a huge victory for us as a society, and for MADD as an organization, but there is still much work to be done. We continue to look forward to the day when there will be No More Victims. During the last two years of “Covid” where many people spent more time at home than in a typical year, whether working or not, there were billions less miles driven on our roadways across America, yet we saw a 9% increase in the number of deaths attributed to impaired driving in 2020, an even larger increase 2021, and an additional increase in 2022 through the first six months. So, as we move into 2023, our work remains as we continue to fight to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and to prevent underage drinking. We can’t do this alone – we need your continued support, strength, and resources. Only Together Will We Save Lives! On behalf of MADD New England’s dedicated, outstanding, tireless staff, and our State Advisory Boards, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy, Healthy, and Safe, Holiday Season and a most Prosperous New Year!
Happy Holidays!
Bob Garguilo Regional Executive Director – New England
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