<< Back

Tracy Walton, Bob Green, Lt. Paul Vance

Tracy Walton concert kicked off Survive the Drive S.A.V.E.S. Teens nationwide campaign

4/7/2012

The Northwest Corner was abuzz these past few weeks in anticipation of Tracy Waltons concert in support of Survive the Drive S.A.V.E.S. Teens campaign which took place at Infinity Hall in Norfolk, CT. Wednesday night.

Dale Jones, member of several community groups and morning show host on WZBG in Litchfield, CT kicked off the campaign with a quote from Ronn Langford Founder of the Master Drive experience in Colorado.

"Suppose I told you that every week a Boeing 737 filled with teens crashed killing everyone on board. How long do you think it would take before we'd do something about it?"

Bob Green, Executive Director of Survive the Drive (a not for profit teen driver safety education organization) took the stage, "Everyones lives have been touched in some way by these needless tragedies (automotive related fatalities). We can do better, it takes effort. Survive the Drive cant prove that weve saved anyone, we cant prove what didnt happen. But we cant NOT try, it is too important. Be proud of yourselves, enjoy the evening and remember how important your everyday driving is. Dont be an adequate driver, be your best behind the wheel," said Green.

Lt. Paul Vance from the Connecticut State Police shared his experience of having to knock on the door and tell a mother that her child would not be coming home tonight. Although Lt. Vances speech was sobering, the message of the night was clear. "We are here to raise awareness of driver fatalities among our nations teens, to save lives," said Lori Zaharek Demaraies, Marketing Director for Survive the Drive.

The audience was a diverse group from community leaders, to fun seekers. Tracy Waltons diverse set, talent, sense of humor and awesome band kept his fans and Survive the Drive supporters and sponsors engaged and entertained for nearly a two hour performance. "Infinity Hall was the perfect venue to launch our partnership." said Tracy Walton.

The evenings and current Survive the Drive sponsors and supporters include: Tracy Walton, Infinity Hall, All-Star Drivers, AAA, Curtis Insurance, New England Auto Museum, Sharon Recreation and Youth, National Iron Bank, and Founders Insurance group, Lime Rock Park, Grand Prix New York, Connect Valley Region Porsche Club of America, and the Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut.

Visit www.saveteens.org for information on how to get involved and for updates on events and Tracy Walton performances.

Contact Lori Zaharek Demaraies loriz@survivethedrive.org 860-671-1430