Ray has unselfishly given his time, money and whole-hearted effort to establishing a branch of a non-profit organization, The Designated Drivers Association (DDA), that works to remove drunk drivers from our roads by offering them a free, safe and confidential ride home for both the intoxicated person and his or her car. The DDA is the only program of its kind, removing drunk drivers from the road before they have a chance to cause injury or death. The program's pro-active nature, coupled with Ray's enthusiasm and determination, truly deserve to be recognized.

Ray's decision to leave the security of his old job and give himself completely to beginning the DDA program is truly amazing. At the beginning he had nothing but a dream and faith - now he has a strong program just waiting to be recognized for its contribution. Since he started the DDA he has raised over $200,000 in cash and in-kind donations. He has recruited over 600 volunteers and completed over 2,100 rides with over 4,300 people in those vehicles.

Every Friday and Saturday night, as well as on major holidays, from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m., Ray is out on the street actively working to promote the free service and get people home safely. He is also the dispatcher when people call in. The number of people and vehicles that his program has brought home safely is posted on the website www.ddasd.org along with more information about the program.

Even if Ray doesn't win the award, I truly believe he deserves recognition for his accomplishment in making our roads safer from America's number one violent crime - drunk driving. No one is safe from the threat of a drunk driver, yet the DDA is the only program to be pro-active in nature and address the problem before the heartache and pain has a chance to occur.

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