From staff reports
Ben Pfeufer, the manager of WalMart in Clarion presented a check for $850 to the Brandon’s Dad organization through the WalMart Community Grant program.
Brandon’s Dad is a nonprofit organization that works daily to educate students about the effects of underage drinking and about driving under the influence and how it can affect everyone around them, forever.
For eight years now, Brandon’s Dad has traveled western Pennsylvania visiting high schools, universities, detention centers, state prisons, and other organizations sharing the real life story about how alcohol robbed his son, Brandon of the life he had, and all the dreams they shared.
Brandon died in his own DUI rollover crash Sept. 10, 2008, just nine days before his 22nd birthday.
The organization has many billboards throughout Clarion County along with one on Interstate-80 expressing, “Please Don’t Drink and Drive.” Billboards include pictures of Brandon and his dog, the car he was driving, or his tombstone.
The newest additions to the prevention programming are three pedal karts that can be pedaled through orange safety cones while wearing intoxication simulation goggles.
The organization is also buying a 14-foot box trailer and designing graphics for it to carry all of this equipment to fairs, festivals, and high schools.
It will become a mobile billboard. The Brandon’s Dad kart program was open to the public and tried by many during safety day June 10, at Walmart.
Brandon’s Dad also has a community page on Facebook to share stories and educate through social media. To find the Brandon’s Dad Facebook page easily, go to facebook.com/DUIawareness.
Anyone can donate to Brandon’s Dad to help cover expenses they occur with the prevention programming by going to www.DUIawareness.com and clicking on the yellow “donate” button.
Those who want to donate without handling fees to the organization can send a check to Brandon’s Dad, 204 West Tar Kiln Road, Clarion, Pa. 16214. Brandon’s Dad is a tax deductible 501c3 (nonprofit).