One of the most important parts of our ABC program is making sure that ABC funds are
being used in positive ways that benefit our community, especially our young people.
Our responsibility goes far beyond issuing licenses and enforcing alcohol regulations.
Education, prevention, and awareness are a major part of what we do. We want to
educate people about the effects of alcohol, the dangers of drinking and driving, and the
serious consequences of underage drinking.
That is why we have made it a priority to put ABC funds directly back into programs,
schools, events, and initiatives that allow us to reach people throughout our community.
So far, those investments include:
$4,000 in educational and promotional giveaway items for kids and our schools
$2,500 toward Fall Fest
$1,500 toward the City Easter Egg Hunt
$7,000 to provide the entire Kids Zone at Spring Fest
$250 per month in radio advertising promoting alcohol awareness and responsible
decision making
$1,000 toward our Prom Promise initiative, encouraging students to make safe choices
and never drink and drive
$2,500 toward Project Graduation, helping provide graduating seniors with a safe,
alcohol-free celebration
$1,500 toward Back-to-School events
$1,500 toward Spero Health’s Save a Life Day
That represents $22,500 invested directly into community programs and initiatives, not
including our ongoing monthly radio advertising.
We also take our SIDNE Alcohol Education Program to community events completely
FREE of charge, giving participants an interactive opportunity to better understand how
alcohol impairment affects judgment, coordination, reaction time, and the ability to
safely operate a vehicle.
We have also done SIDNE presentations for Otter Creek girls academy and have
partnered with the Wayne County Jail to do some educational classes and
presentations.
Every one of these investments gives us another opportunity to have a conversation,
reach a young person, educate a family, or remind someone that one bad decision
involving alcohol can have lifelong consequences.
ABC isn’t just about alcohol licensing and enforcement. It’s also about prevention,
education, responsibility, and investing back into the community we serve.
If our efforts can help prevent underage drinking, stop someone from getting behind the
wheel after drinking, or encourage one young person to make a better decision, then
these investments are doing exactly what they are intended to do.