“If you can save one life, you will make the $5,250 that it took to bring in the event work,” Zach Sepanik said. Sepanik is the vice president of communications for Grand Valley State University’s Sigma Phi Epsilon, who hosted the National Save a Life Tour at the Kirkhof Center on Monday.

“The event exceeded any expectations, and I think Sigma Phi Epsilon, as a fraternity, found a new annual event for everyone at GVSU and the surrounding community,” Sepanik said. “After a year of planning, it was well worth it.”

Not only was the hosting fraternity impressed by the success of the event, but Kramer Entertainment also thought the event to be a great experience.
“The students were nice and welcoming, very friendly, and respectful of the message we’re trying to get across,” said Derius Williams, a member of the Kramer Entertainment road crew. Williams said he would love to come back to GVSU.

Two speakers were featured throughout the day, one on texting and driving, while the other spoke about drinking and driving.

Drinking and driving and texting and driving simulators as well as other multi-media were set up throughout the Kirkhof Center lobby.

The Save a Life Tour is a high-impact alcohol awareness program, which, partnered with the Distracted Driving Program, focuses on how to limit the dangers on the road.

The programs are a part of Kramer Productions, which is located in Standale, Mich. The drinking and driving simulator allowed students to experience what it is like to drive while drunk. Similarly, the texting and driving simulator will include giving a student a phone to test their multitasking skills of using the phone and paying attention to the road.

“If you can do it, you can do it. But if you can’t, you can’t. Keep that in mind,” Sepanik said.

These issues do not seem to be a major problem in Allendale, Sepanik said.

“I’m sure it is though,” he said. “It’s a problem everywhere. The numbers that Save a Life Tour gives are alarming. Nationwide and worldwide, it is not to be taken lightly.”

To bring such a presentation to GVSU, Sigma Phi Epsilon needed a lot of money.

When looking for funds, they started big, but when they learned many larger businesses already had their budgets planned, they went smaller and localized.

Many of those who contributed include 48 West, UBS Bookstore, Counseling, Spartan Stores and family friends.

One of the contributors told Sepanik that her dad was in a drunk driving accident.

“Many people were willing to help,” Sepanik said. “It hits home.”

In the end, they raised $6,500. The total cost of the event came out to $5,250, including speakers, simulators, equipment and the manual labor to bring it all to GVSU. Extra funding went toward free food for the event.

Not only were GVSU student involved with the event, but other from the community as well. Students from Rockford High School also joined the event. The high school’s broadcasting team filmed the event to feature it in their news.

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