Mothers Against Drunk Driving hosted a Candlelight Ceremony for the victims of impaired driving crashes on Thursday evening at Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Springfield. The program included remarks from Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher (4th from left) and Juan Huerta (far left), Deputy Director of Public Engagement from Secretary of State’s office.

“As Mayor of Springfield, it is our duty to stand alongside Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in their efforts to honor the lives lost due to impaired driving crashes,” Mayor Buscher said. “This Candlelight Ceremony reaffirms our commitment to promoting safer roads for all and serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence. We wholeheartedly support MADD’s mission to advocate for change.”

“MADD is grateful to be partnering with Mayor Buscher’s office and Secretary of State’s office for this event,” said Erin Payton (2nd from left), Regional Executive Director of MADD Illinois/Iowa/Wisconsin. “Holding the vigil at Trinity Lutheran Church has extra meaning as it sits across the street from the Capitol building, where laws are made to protect Illinois drivers, passengers, and pedestrians from impaired drivers.”

Ali Preston (third from left) recounted the impaired driving crash that occurred in Bloomington, that left her injured and took the life of her friend, Michael Collins. Preston has been a staunch MADD advocate since the crash. She will be honoring Michael’s memory at the vigil, as this month marks the 10-year anniversary of the crash, which took place on March 29, 2014.

Sergeant Chris Darr (third from right) from Champaign County Sheriff’s Office spoke about his professional experience with impaired driving crashes. He will also recount the loss of Bethany Baker, a family friend who was killed in an impaired driving crash in 2016.

There was ceremonial candle lighting along with a local vocalist performing. Kristi Hosea, MADD Victim Services Manager, will read the names of victims of impaired driving crashes. “It’s an honor to be able to bring such a meaningful tribute to the capitol city,” Hosea said. “We encourage the community to join us in supporting injured victims and bereaved families in our desire to create a world with no more victims.”

This event is made possible, in part, because of ADM Cares and Trinity Lutheran Church.