MADD And Chevrolet Premiere "IRL ... In Real Life," A Multimedia School Assembly Program
FOR RELEASE: October 29, 2002MADD And Chevrolet Premiere "IRL ... In Real Life," A Multimedia School Assembly Program
New Program About The Dangers Of Underage Drinking To Debut At Troy Athens High School
TROY, Mich. - Developed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and sponsored by Chevrolet, "IRL...in real life" is a celebrity-packed, multimedia school assembly program that will premiere at Troy Athens High School at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29.
"IRL...in real life" shows how real students have made positive differences in their communities. The program also details how alcohol affects the developing brain, outlines the devastating consequences of underage drinking and challenges students to resist peer pressure and develop their own identities. IRL's key message is about rising above the crowd to make good decisions, standing up for what is right vs. what is popular, protecting yourself and your friends, and holding yourself and others accountable.
"Alcohol is the No. 1 drug problem among American youth, yet society often just considers it a rite of passage. We are working to break down that misconception," said Wendy Hamilton, national president of MADD. "Learning how to make good, but difficult, choices is pivotal to success in life and through 'IRL,' teens now have a new way to communicate the importance of taking a stand for what is right."
"IRL...in real life" is hosted by recording artist Jaci Velasquez, and includes features on Amanda Dunbar, renowned teen artist who started painting at 13, and third-generation Olympic gold medallist Jimmy Shea. Supported by Chevrolet, the National Presenting and
Official Vehicle Sponsor, this high-energy, 38-minute show uses the latest DVD technology to project onto three giant screens totaling 15 feet by 45 feet. "IRL...in real life" catches students' attention with an exciting blend of powerful imagery and special effects, current music videos, poignant stories of real young people, celebrity interviews and clips from major motion pictures.
"'IRL ...in real life' gets important information to an audience that is particularly at risk - young, inexperienced drivers," says Rick Scheidt, Chevrolet marketing director of full-size trucks and SUVs. "We are especially proud to help MADD transport the assembly programs to students in schools across the nation via 10 specially-marked Chevy Suburbans. This program empowers students to make smart decisions and ultimately helps to keep them safe."
Following the Troy Athens High School premiere of "IRL," the program will visit other Metro Detroit high schools throughout the school year with support provided by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning.
"IRL...in real life" is one of three MADD-developed and Chevrolet-sponsored programs currently touring the country. "FAKE ID," the precursor to "IRL," stresses the importance of making healthy choices and avoiding alcohol and other drug use. "Street Smarts" focuses on teaching elementary school students the importance of helmet safety, motor vehicle safety and preventing alcohol use. Since the launch, more than a million students have been exposed to the MADD's multimedia school assembly programs.
Chevrolet's sponsorship of these programs is part of GM's continuing commitment to MADD that includes diversity initiatives and primary sponsorship of the nation's most visible grassroots campaign, "Tie One On For Safety," along with other activities.
In conjunction with "IRL...in real life," MADD recently launched www.inreallife.org , a youth-oriented, highly interactive web site that reinforces the presentation's messages through games and other information, and includes opportunities for students to win prizes such as autographed basketballs from Grant Hill and Sheryl Swoopes. The grand prize is a limited-edition artwork by Dunbar titled "Romeo & Juliet."
MADD is a non-profit grassroots organization with approximately 600 chapters and 2 million members and supporters nationwide. MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. For more information or to book "IRL...in real life" at your school, call 1800-GET-MADD, visit www.schoolassembly.org or e-mail MADD at assembly@madd.org
General Motors , the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. Chevrolet, the largest division of GM, fulfills the transportation needs of more than 36 million Americans daily. More information on GM and Chevrolet can be found at www.gm.com.