October Speech

I made friends with Julie Mongue, the Collin County Teen Court Coordinator, in 2010 while volunteering for MADD at a Collin College community fair. Last year, she asked me if I would like to be the speaker for a Teen Court/YMCA program for at-risk teens and it has been an awesome experience! And nearly two weeks ago, she contacted me again and asked if I would be the MADD representative at their 2013 Annual Texas Teen Court Conference this year (which also happened to be hosted in Collin County) and of course I said, "Yes!" Julie wanted me to share my story and also encourage the Teen Court coordinators to partner with their local MADD chapters. MADD and Teen Court are partnered in the North Dallas area through the program "Teen Victim Impact Panel." Teen VIPs consist of a short presentation by a MADD facilitator on the potential dangers of alcohol and drinking and driving as well as one to three impact statements from victims, offenders, survivors, family members, friends, AA members, or any other person who has been negatively impacted by alcohol. Individuals who have received a DWI or DUI are court mandated (depending on the judge and other factors) to attend a VIP. I have been speaking at VIPs since 2009 and absolutely love it. I feel God's loving presence, my purpose being fulfilled, and an inner healing each time I speak. To me, there truly is no greater feeling!

Pictures from the Teen Court Conference:

Upcoming Speeches

October 17, 2012 - MADD McKinney Adult VIP from 6:00-8:00 pm located at 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney 75071.

October 20, 2012 - I am teaming up with Teen Court and speaking at the McKinney YMCA to at-risk teenagers located at 300 Ridge Road, McKinney, TX 75070 at 1:00 pm.

WALK LIKE MADD

I have teamed up with Walk Like MADD in raising money for MADD's mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking. MADD is at work passing legislation, taking their mission to state and national officials, and creating safer roads. MADD has done so much for me and many others. I have been personally impacted by the devastating effects of drinking and driving. Now paralyzed, I have a new outlook for life and for the future of our society.

Walk Like MADD is in 7 days and I have a goal of raising $475!
Please help me reach my goal and stand up against this social problem!
Donations of $20 or more receive a complimentary Walk Like MADD shirt!

You can access my Walk Like MADD page at
http://support.madd.org/goto/tonyawinchester.

If you cannot or do not wish to donate, please do not feel pressured but rather keep this cause in your prayers! Prayer is a powerful and effective tool worth more than any donation. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16b, NLT).

Thank you for your support!!