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03/28/2016 09:36 AMDrunk driving doesn't only kill. It also scatters scores of devasted family victims in its wake. On April 6, to punctuate that point, women of family members killed by drunk drivers will help model fashions at an event to benefit Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The "Spring Dinner & Fashion Show to Benefit MADD" is set for Wednesday, April 6, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., at Woodwinds in Branford.
Even though some of the models have a somber connection to the night, this popular annual event will be, as always, "upbeat," said Michelle Coppola Lettieri, MADD CT Director of Victim Services.
"Every event – our walks, our fashion shows, our golf tournaments, our road races — they are all upbeat, because the victims want it that way," said Lettieri. "They want to be able to go back and somehow live a normal life; even though it's never going to be normal. So our events are fun and uplifting."
Lettieri can attest to the victims' wishes first-hand. She and her sister, Paula Coppola Dagostino, lost their mom, Julia Coppola, to a drunk driver in a New Haven crash. Shortly after their mother was killed in 1993, the sisters became deeply involved with working to support MADD; later joining its staff. Lietteri has now worked for the organization for 21 years. Dagostino joined MADD to assist with development (fundraising) and coordinates the Spring Dinner and Fashion Show.
On April 6, Lettieri and Dagostino will help model clothes at the benefit, which features women's fashions and accessories from Ella, Where She Shops (Guilford). Ella store manager Carol Harrington, who will announce the fashions, describes the spring styles set to be shown as "...good clothes for people in their everyday lives."
"That's what you'll find at Ella — a good jean selection, a cashmere sweater, a little knit dress that can travel well," said Harrington. "A lot of our focus is people who travel, and how can you pack to bring the least amount of clothes that will be super comfortable and will perform in multiple situations. And our accessory buyer is also our jewelry designer and a Guilford artist. It's kind of a signature of our store that we offer local artistry."
The April 6 event includes a delicious dinner crafted by Chef Silvio of Woodwinds, live fashion show (models stroll tableside), and plenty of expert fashion tips. In addition, all attendees will receive a 20 percent discount at Ella, located at 90 Broad St. in Guilford (http://ellawheresheshops.com/). Girls' fashions for the night will be supplied by Matilda Jane Clothing (www.matildajaneclothing.com). Hair and make-up will be by Allusions Salon & Boutique (Branford).
Lettieri and Dagostino will join the night's models at the suggestion of MADD Connecticut State Office Executive Director Janice Heggie Margolis.
"I really wanted to include models who are victims of alcohol-related crashes," said Margolis. "Their mom was killed over 20 years ago and they and their family have been really involved with MADD, almost since the day of the crash. For their mother's funeral, Michelle contacted me and I brought (MADD) red ribbons for people to wear."
Dagostino has 10 ladies lined up to model on April 6, all of who are either "victims or volunteers," from the community. "We're so lucky to have fashions by Ella and to have Dr. Goodkind as our sponsor," added Dagostino. "He's also sponsoring this year's MADD Walk in Branford (Oct. 1) which is going to be in honor of our mother."
David Goodkind, M.D., of Fuzion Medical Aesthetic Boutique in Branford (www.fuzionct.com) said he's supporting MADD because its mission to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims and prevent underage drinking is so important.
"I think it's really important for us to gain control of ourselves and our families and the people around us," said Goodkind. "Drinking, to young kids, is a rite of passage into what they think is adulthood. They're unfortunately rather immature; and really need to be reminded — constantly reminded — that it's a rather significant thing, and they have to be responsible about it. And it's really terrible if we allow somebody to make an even more terrible mistake that will haunt them for the rest of their lives."
A 17 year-old driving under the influence killed Julia Coppola, the only fatality in the crash, on Townsend Avenue on Oct. 20, 1993. Lettieri was driving with her mom and sister toward Dagostino's home, just minutes away, when the teen's car hit head-on.
"We were on the way to my house, which is not even a quarter of a mile from there, when the crash happened," Dagostino said.
After many years of effort, in 2009, Lettieri successfully petitioned the state to help the family rename the section of roadway where Coppola was killed the "Julia 'Nana' Coppola Memorial Highway." Coppola was 75 when she died and the Coppola family is well-known in the area; where Lettieri and Dagostino still reside.
"The street signs with her name on them are there right by the seawall, which is also where our mom loved to walk. She'd park and her car and go for a walk right there," said Lettieri.
At the time of the crash, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit was .10 and the teen driver's blood alcohol level was .09. In the years since the crash, thanks to efforts including those of MADD, the legal BAC has been decreased to .08.
"From the time of our crash, when the legal limit was .10, to today, when it's .08...and especially now that we have IID (ignition interlock device), which we know saves lives — we've seen a huge difference in the 23 years from when we became part of the MADD family," said Lettieri.
Connecticut's IID law went into effect July 1, 2015. It requires drivers charged with operating under the influence to install what is essentially a Breathalyzer on the ignition; with use required after a second offense. Drivers need to exhale into a tube connected to the IID and if the driver's BAC exceeds .025, the vehicle will not start.
Lettieri added that, while families can work for change by supporting MADD events like the Spring Dinner and Fashion Show; those who've killed while driving under the influence will be forever marred by what they've done.
"It's not only devastating for the victims and their families," said Lettieri. "It's also devastating for the offender and their family, because it's a no-win situation. No one wins here. And it's very easy to change. All you have to do is think. If you're going to drink, don't drive."
Tickets are available now for the Spring Dinner & Fashion Show to benefit MADD, Wed. April 6, 6 – 9 p.m. at Woodwinds by Chef Silvio, 29 Schoolground Rd., Branford. Event sponsored by Fuzion Medical Aesthetic Boutique & David Goodkind, M.D. Tickets are $45 per person, make checks payable to MADD CT c/o 317 Foxon Road, East Haven, 06513. $20 of each ticket may be considered as a charitable donation. For more information, call (203) 764-2566 or email paula.dagostino@madd.org Learn more about MADD CT at www.madd.org/ct