My name is Santosh Vaghela and I am the Vice President of Risk Management for the Interfraternity Council at RPI. I am calling on all students today to help the IFC rise up against drunk driving and help us with our new initiative called the Rensselaer Student Safe Ride Program.

On August 7, 2005, Annette Balistreri, wife of local firefighter Mark Balistreri, and her two parents were killed in a drunk driving accident.

Balistreri, whom I know well and I volunteer with at a local fire department, has started a fund called “Netter’s Fund,” which aims to have a source of money to provide taxi cab rides for intoxicated patrons at local bars. The fund will also provide a taxi to come and drive them back in the morning so they can get their car.

The IFC, in coordination with Netter’s Fund, is holding a fundraising raffle. Within the next few days, you will see tables selling tickets in the Union on the 15th Street side, in front of Sage Dining Hall, and in front of the Commons. Prizes for the winners include an iPod nano and an Xbox 360. We will be having two separate raffles, one for each prize. The cost of a ticket is only $2 and it goes to a great cause.

Drunk driving is an enormous problem, and though it may not seem prevalent in our region, it is. This program aims to ensure that we, as residents of the Troy area, stay protected from drivers who would otherwise be driving their vehicles while intoxicated. Remember, it isn’t only the driver of the car who is affected, but also other drivers on the road and pedestrians.

The IFC has come up with a goal to raise $1,000 by the 2nd week of November and present Balistreri with the check to show the support of Rensselaer students to his cause. Please help us make this happen! If you have any questions, you can contact me at my campus e-mail at vaghes@rpi.edu.

Santosh Vaghela