Vernon Hilyer of Clarion, whose son, Brandon, was killed in a drunk driving accident in 2008, will speak at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 in the multi-purpose room of Gemmell Student Complex, Clarion University. The presentation is free and open to the public.
"We planned this event on this day, just before ALF weekend, because we are aware that students will be partying and drinking during this weekend," said David Bazile, financial coordinator for University Activities Board, which is co-sponsoring the event with the university chapter of NAACP. "Our goal is to educate them on being safe during this weekend."
"I share a true life story about my son's fight with alcohol and the effects his choices had on everyone who knew and loved him," Hilyer says on his website. "My son Brandon was an outstanding all-American kid that was full of life, but alcohol impaired his control and eventually robbed him of life. Now I serve a life sentence due to his drinking and driving. My life sentence is not one behind bars, but a life full of sadness and emptiness."
Hilyer, also known as "Brandon's dad," will begin the program at 7 p.m. with a preliminary activity, choosing random people to wear "intoxication goggles" to see firsthand what it's like to do things under the influence. His talk begins at 7:30 p.m.
Hilyer started speaking to audiences the spring following his son's Sept. 10, 2008, death. He has given presentations at all of the Clarion County high schools and to other schools and groups. His goal is to relate to the audience the effect of Brandon's decisions on him and Brandon's other family members, as well as on Brandon's friends.
For more information visit www.DUIawareness.com or www.facebook.com/duiawareness.