Sheila Forsner Award
This award is given in memory of Sheila Forsner who rose above her own tragedy and triumphed in educating and inspiring others.
In memory of volunteer activist, Sheila Forsner, a victim of a drunk driver, AAIM has established an annual award in her honor. The prize is given to recognize outstanding service to the community in the fight against drunk driving and in assisting DUI victims.
In 1989, a drunken driver crashed into Sheila's vehicle, killing her baby and leaving her a quadriplegic. After a difficult rehabilitation effort, Sheila regained some speech skills and began giving speeches along with Pat Larson addressing DUI offenders and high school students. She had a tremendous impact on those who heard her.
Sheila died as a result of her injuries on February 19, 1994. She said if she could save just one person and that person's family from going through what she and her family went through, she would feel she had accomplished something worthwhile. We believe she more than succeeded her goal.
2009 Award Recipient
Joel Mains
A drunk driver killed Joel's stepdaughter, Caitlin Weese in 2003 at the age of seventeen, one week before she was to graduate from high school...
Past Award Recipients
2008 - Chet Stanley
Chet's 23-year old daughter, Theresa (Peanut), and her boyfriend, David Brown, were killed by a drunk driver on March 3, 2001.....
2007 - Rita Kreslin
Rita's 19-year old son, John, was killed by a drunk driver on August 30, 2002.....
2006 - Charlene Wooley
Charlie's stepson, Aric Wooley, was killed by a drunk driver on June 16, 2000 in Wood Dale.....
2005 - Shelly Anderson
Shelly's daughter, Jenni Lynn, was killed by a drunk driver in 1997.....
2004 - Pam Kelleher
Pam has served on the benefit committee for five years and has raised funds by serving as chairman of the silent auction.....
2003 - Dave Perozzi
On July 26, 1998, a drunk driver killed Daren Perozzi. Two short months before, Daren graduated from the University of Illinois....
2002 - The Crowley Family
On August 25, 1988, 2 year-old Billy Crowley was hit by an impaired driver.....
2001 - Linda Irwin
In 1997, a drunk driver killed Linda's 17-year old daughter, Tiffany.....
2000 - Sally Hoffman
In 1991, Pat Larson enlisted the aid of her friends to help with starting a fundraiser to assist victims.....
1999 - Twyla Blakely
In 1991 Pat Larson enlisted the aid of her dear friend Twyla to help with starting a fundraiser.....
