Page 88 - May-June-July Life In Naples Magazine

TURNING LOSS PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF: BOB KELLY, IMPROMPTU STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

INTO ACTION
M ore than 400 local supporters turned out for an
unforgettable presentation at Drug Free Collier’s CORE STUDENTS FROM PALMETTO RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL MAKE A DUI PROMISE STANDING NEXT TO THE CAR IN
7th Annual Fundraising Luncheon on Thursday, WHICH MEAGAN NAPIER WAS KILLED.
March 5, 2015 at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort.
Attendees at this year’s luncheon were moved by the stories Attendees also heard from Michelle Borders, a local businesswoman
of each speaker and pledged their support to protect local and member of Drug Free Collier, along with her son, Nick Borders.
children from substance abuse. They spoke about the tragic loss of a young friend to a drug overdose and
how they joined Drug Free Collier to work on local solutions to protect
“Today our young people are making choices that will children from substance abuse.
define their future and the health and safety of the next
generation. Too many of us have been touched by a young life The program also included a special recognition of Veora Little,
cut short or a future destroyed by substance abuse,” said Mimi Volunteer Coordinator of Drug Free Collier’s Operation Medicine
Scofield, Drug Free Collier Board Member and Event Chair. Cabinet®. Little and a group of dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly
to raise awareness about the safe use, storage and disposal of household
“Through prevention and education Drug Free Collier is
empowering our kids to make safe and healthy choices in their VEORA LITTLE IS RECOGNIZED FOR HER ROLE AS VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR OF OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET.
formative years by teaching them the power of choice,”she added.

This year’s program featured a powerful DUI presentation
by The Meagan Napier Foundation. Renee Napier founded
the organization after losing her daughter to a drunk driver
in 2002. Her story gained national attention after she forgave
the convicted drunk driver and even campaigned to have his
sentence reduced. Eric Smallridge, no longer in prison, now
joins Napier in speaking to audiences everywhere about the
real impact of his decision to drink and drive. By teaming up,
they are working to save lives.

“I had some of my son’s friends at the table and they were
significantly impacted by the message and the meaningful
presentation of a community coming together for such a
worthy cause,” said Amy Turner, Co-Owner of Ooh La La!
Jewels Du Jour.

MICHELLE BORDERS SHARES THE HEARTFELT STORY
THAT INSPIRED HER TO GET INVOLVED WITH DRUG FREE COLLIER.

88 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2015