By: Charlene Cristobal
June 25, 2015
TALLAHASSEE -- After losing their son in a crash, a Tallahassee mother and father have launched a campaign to stop distracted driving. Today their effort got a big boost from a local marketing company.
"Our voice can reach more people, and we can end this tragic situation."
It was a bittersweet day for Demetrius and Lora Branca. They received a $100,000 check for the foundation that honors their son, Anthony. The 19-year-old was killed late last year when his motorcycle was hit by a van in Tallahassee. His parents say the driver was distracted.
"I think we just need to spread the message. There are too many people out there driving distracted, not paying attention to the road and that needs to stop," says Anthony's father, Demetrius Branca.
BowStern Marketing wants to help spread that message. The company chose the Anthony Phoenix Branca foundation for its "Project Mayday."
BowStern will give the foundation $100,000 of free marketing support. instagramviewer It was among 89 nonprofits considered.
"The need is great. There are so many people doing so many wonderful things in the community, we really wanted to find a meaningful way to give back," said Kelly Robertson with BowStern.
While the check won’t bring back their son, the Brancas are excited for the future and the message that their son's life continues to spread.
"I think it's going to give us a good foundation to build a platform to get our message out there. And we've been very overwhelmed with all the support," says Anthony's mother, Lora Branca.
Federal transportation officials say more than 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2013.