The Century Council Celebrates Twenty Years of Fighting Drunk Driving and Underage Drinking

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, The Century Council and its member companies: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; Pernod Ricard USA; and Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc., will celebrate twenty years of fighting drunk driving and underage drinking alongside partners at a dinner at the Newseum.  While we cannot lay claim to all the progress our nation has made, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities have decreased by 32 percent and underage drinking has decreased 33 percent to a historic low of 27 percent since The Century Council's inception in 1991.  The Century Council attributes its success to the commitment of the partners, the National Advisory Board, our member companies, and the millions of teachers, parents, and youth across the country that use and share our programs each and every day.

Numerous Members of Congress, State Attorneys General, and other steadfast partners are scheduled to attend tonight's dinner.  Elite athletes Apolo Anton Ohno, the most decorated US Winter Olympian, Julie Foudy, former captain of the US Women's Soccer Team and founder of the Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy, and Tyson Gay, US Olympian, World Champion American Record Holder at the 100 meters and the second fastest man in history, will also be on hand to celebrate their role as Ask, Listen, Learn Superstars and strong ambassadors who encourage kids to say "yes" to a healthy lifestyle and "no" to underage drinking.

Also recognized at the dinner will be The Century Council's "20 People to Watch" awardees in honor of The Century Council's 20^th Anniversary.  These individuals are working together to fight drunk driving and underage drinking and to promote a healthier and safer America.  The Century Council's new website includes biographies, photos and inspiring video segments of each of our "20 People to Watch."

The Century Council website also includes a timeline of progress which celebrates important milestones over The Century Council's 20 years.

"We are very proud of the work we have done over the last 20 years.  Since The Century Council's inception, the drop in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities and underage drinking has served to motivate our team and our partners to continue to work even harder to make America a safer place in the future," said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of The Century Council.

To learn more about all of The Century Council's drunk driving and underage drinking initiatives, please visit our website.

The Century Council

The Century Council is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; Pernod Ricard USA; and Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia and chaired by Susan Molinari, The Century Council is a leader in the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol. The Century Council develops and implements innovative programs and public awareness campaigns and promotes action through strategic partnerships. Established in 1991, The Century Council's initiatives are highlighted on its website at www.centurycouncil.org.

Contact: Darron Moffatt  

The Century Council

(202) 637-0077

SOURCE The Century Council