El Paso’s MADD Chapter Needs Community’s Help To Continue

The goal of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to help victims and avoid the heartbreak that comes for so many families.

But El Paso’s MADD chapter needs help to continue their services. It is short about $3,000 for its budget.

“I went to the first meeting probably about a week after Valerie passed away,” said Gracie Talamantes.

Now, 2 1/2 years later, Talamantes says she has a new family in MADD.

“It’s sad the way we had to meet, but they’re a wonderful support group, she says MADD was there the morning after her 19-year-old daughter was killed by a drunk driver at a stoplight a block away from her home on December 29th, 2007.

“I went to the corner and I saw all the lights and I thought, ‘Oh God, please don’t let that be Val, ” Talamantes said.

It’s a day Talamantes says she still remembers vividly.

“I saw her car and I knew it was her, and there was nothing left of her car,” she said.

Talamantes is now going through another loss – a divorce.

But through it all, she says her new family – has been there.

“They’ve been wonderful. They let me know that I’m not by myself, that no matter what, they’re there for me,” Talamantes said.

Through community walks and talks to help spread awareness, Talamantes is there for MADD.

“I want to be there for them and let them know I can help somebody else. ” said Talamantes.

She says being involved helps her cope through the terrible crime that took her other family.

If you would like to help, stop by the Chick Fil-A on Zaragoza Thursday, April 22nd.

The restaurant will be donating 15 percent of all proceeds to MADD. Just say “I’m MADD for Chick -Fil-A.” Or you can donate online by clicking here.

or mail a donation to: MADD West Texas 6070 Gateway East, suite 218 El Paso, Texas 79905