“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
Dear Friend in Safety,
This note is about “Friends in Florida.” The story of the growth of KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25® is directly tied to the friends we have made who have connected with our campaign during the past several years. Their efforts have made, and continue to make, a difference in keeping us all safer on neighborhood streets, and beyond.
Meet 3 of these friends whose efforts have proven heroic in remembering their children as they have worked to make Florida roadways safer for all of us.
- Sean Martin’s 8 year-old son, Shaye, died as a result of being hit by a speeding drivers while walking to school – on the sidewalk – in May of 2006. Since connecting with KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25®, Sean has worked tirelessly to make roadways safer in the Miami Area, and beyond. His most recent success resulted in the “Shaye Patrick Martin Safety Act” passed by the City of Miami Lakes, which creates gradual “slow zones” as roadways approach school zones. Speeds decline incrementally to create a greater buffer as vehicles near high pedestrian areas around schools. Students from the Project Citizen Class at Miami Lakes Middle School were instrumental in making the “Shaye Patrick Martin Safety Act” a reality. The students, along with Sean, were recognized with a 1st Place Award by the State of Florida for Student-lead Safety Efforts. We offer our thanks and our congratulations for their efforts.
- In addition, Sean connected KKAD25 with the PGA Tour for their tournament at the 2009 World Golf Championships-CA Championship at the Doral Golf Resort. The result was an almost $800.00 donation to support the campaign locally.
- Marie Anderson’s 5 year-old son, Nicolas, died as a result of being hit by a drugged driver on his street the first week kindergarten in August, 2003. Marie’s efforts in the wake of Nicolas’ death established the campaign in her hometown of Ormond Beach and the City of South Daytona Beach. On one occasion, Marie traveled to share Nicolas’ story with a Homeowners Association in Newnan, Georgia, to support their implementation of the campaign (a six-hour drive each way).
- Melissa Tindell, age 13, died in a tragic school bus-stop incident in Panama City in October 2008. Her family, with great support from her Aunt Ange and Uncle Mike, has taken on the campaign to create safer bus-stops to protect all children while waiting or being dropped off. In effect, they invite us to ask the question, “Does a school zone extend beyond the area immediately around a school to include zones where children are picked up and dropped off?” Our answer to this question can make a difference in the actions we take as we approach these zones. Learn more about Melissa at Melissa's Page.
- We are thankful, too, to all of our friends who have helped establish the campaign in Jupiter (Jupiter Police Dept.), Tampa (Police Dept. Crime Prevention), and the City of Sarasota (Engineering Dept.), and for each of you who make a difference in your neighborhood each day.
Friends for the Future
We look forward to continue to build friendships in Florida in support of future growth of our traffic safety initiatives. Here are some ways that you can help.
- Invite your workplace to become a corporate sponsor/partner. Contact 402-334-1391 or Tom@kkad25.org to talk about possibilities.
- Be a catalyst for neighborhood/community involvement. All you need to get started is available for free at KKAD25 Start-up.
- Incorporate KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25® into your local Safe Routes to School initiative. For more information on Safe Routes in Florida, visit FL Safe Routes.
- Invite your local school to help seed the campaign in your community through a KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25® SCHOOL FUNDRAISER (Click here)
Invite your local high school to create a safe-driving culture in their school - and in the community as well. (Click here to learn how) - Your community can also benefit from on-site support to develop your community neighborhood traffic safety plan. Call 402-334-1391 or e-mail Tom@kkad25.org for information.
Thank you for all you do to make your neighborhood and community safer for all of us each day. And may you and all you care for have a safe, peaceful, and relaxing summer.
“Don’t Let the 2 Minutes You ‘Save’
Be the Last 2 Minutes of Someone’s Life.”
Adapted from David Townsend (Tia’s father)
In safety,
Tom Everson
Executive Director
kkad25@kkad25.org
www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org – Keep up with the latest at the KKAD25 Blog.
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25® and related logos and slogans (Be Aware! Drive With Care®, Check Your Speed®/No Need To Speed®, Stop! Take 3 To See®, Stop Means Stop®, Seat Belts-FASTENATING!®, and It’s Not A Race! Create Space©) are registered trademarks/copyrights of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25, P.O. Box 45563 Omaha, Nebraska, 68145. No other entities may use these or similar marks without prior permission. Call 402-334-1391 for information.
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