Danielle Stento “How to Save A Life Contest” Announced

BINGHAMTON, NY - Today, Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala was joined by the Stento family, STOP-DWI Coordinator James May and Christine Muss Traffic Safety Coordinator at Horace Mann Elementary School to announce the Danielle Stento “How To Save A Life Contest”. In 1989, Danielle Stento suffered Traumatic Brain Injury after being hit by a drunk driver while walking across a street in Buffalo, New York. For 16 years the Stento Family, the STOP-DWI Program and a host of volunteers organized the Danielle 5K Run/Walk as a public awareness event and as a fundraiser for the Danielle House, area high school SADD Chapters and local STOP-DWI efforts. Beginning in 2008, the Danielle 5K Run/Walk will become the Danielle Stento “How To Save A Life Contest” in Broome County.

“The Stento family has been a committed partner in the STOP DWI program and I applaud their successful efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving in our community,” commented Executive Fiala. “I encourage students to work with their classmates and teachers to enter their artistic work in the 'Save A Life' competition to promote the STOP DWI message.”

Through the success of the Danielle Stento Run/Walk the Stento family decided to focus attention on education and school-based activities. This countywide education contest will consist of a television, radio and poster contest for students across five different important traffic safety topics: Drowsy Driving, Safety Belt Use, Driving Distractions, Impaired Driving and Speed/Aggressive Driving. Students in high school, middle school and elementary grade will each have their own competitive divisions. Exciting prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place in each of the five topic areas across each grade division.

“Since it's beginning the Danielle Run/Walk served as a signature event to educate our community about the consequences of driving while intoxicated,” stated STOP-DWI Coordinator James May. “The 'How to Save A Life Contest' engages our community's youth to spread an important message.”

Published Date: 03-18-2008