First Annual BeSafe Awards Luncheon a Rousing Success
October 9, 2007

The inaugural BeSafe Awards Luncheon on October 9 was an opportunity to honor people and organizations that help make our community a safer place.

Special thanks to our BeSafe Award sponsors (see below), to Susan Siman for her warmth and grace as our emcee, and to Jacqueline Colbert from Mt. Zion Baptist Church for her inspiring musical closing.

Mayor Helen Johnson and Police Chief Pat O’Connor from the City of Stoughton were presented the BeSafe Award for Leadership in recognition of their efforts to improve older adult pedestrian safety. Dave Zweifel, Capital Times Editor, presented the award.

The African American Council of Churches received the BeSafe Award for Innovation for its “Religiously Buckle Up” campaign, presented by Madison Police Chief Noble Wray. Accepting the award were Rev. David Smith, founder of the African American Council of Churches and pastor of Faith Community Christian Church; Rev. Gregory Armstrong, pastor of SS Morris AME Church; Rev. Richard Jones, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church; and Rev. Donald Moss, pastor of Second Baptist Church.

The Madison Patient Safety Collaborative received the BeSafe Award for Collaboration for its contribution to the Falls Prevention Initiative. Dr. Andy Kosseff, St. Mary’s Hospital and Task Force Chair, presented the award to Dr. Frank Byrne, St. Mary’s Hospital; Margaret Van Bree, University Hospital and Clinics; and Jim Woodward, Meriter Health Services and Meriter Hospital.

Nan Peterson, Coordinator of the Madison Area SAFE KIDS Coalition, was honored with the BeSafe Award for Advocacy. Ms. Peterson’s efforts in promoting child passenger safety played a pivotal role in the recent passage of Wisconsin’s Child Passenger Safety Bill. Presenting the award was Mike Witter, Deputy Regional Administrator (Region V), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Thank you to the sponsors of the 1st Annual
BeSafe Awards Luncheon

Gold Sponsors:

American Family Insurance
Dean Health System
Innocorp, Ltd.
Madison Gas and Electric
Physicians Plus Insurance
Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren, SC
UW Health
WEA Trust

Silver Sponsors:

Group Health Cooperative
Meriter Health Services
St. Mary’s Hospital