Our Mission
To educate our youth and families on the realities of drug and alcohol use and bring awareness that some choices truly do have consequences
In Memory of:
Heidi Marie Munson
April 14, 1984 - April 9, 2004
24925 132nd Place SE Kent, WA 98042 206-790-8657
Heidi's Story
Heidi Munson was born April 14th, 1984 and was raised in Kent Washington. She attended school in the Kent School District and was a student athlete and a member of the Kentwood High School gymnastics team and a Cheerleader. After graduating high school in 2002 she began attending college to become a beautician and continued her cheerleading career for a semi-pro football team. Heidi had a bright future and she embraced life to its fullest. But on April 9th, 2004 her future and her dreams were cut short.
Heidi had gone with a group of people to a park to celebrate a friend's birthday. On her way home that day, the car that Heidi was riding in was involved in a horrific car crash, where she and a 13 year old boy were killed. It was later determined that her driver was high on alcohol, methamphetamines, and marijuana at the time of the crash and he was driving with a suspended license and had no insurance.
In the end, because of many poor choices, 7 people were involved and their lives were changed forever. But the unfortunate part of these tragedies is that it doesn't only affect the people involved, but it also affects their families, their friends, and their communities. This reality came crashing down on the Munson family and everyone involved that April day.
For your sake and others, please dont drink and drive. Some choices truly do have consequences.
Programs
Check out all we have to offer!
Eric Munson, Heidi's father, has worked in the prevention field since 2000. His career began presenting character and safety programs to elementary aged children and now works as a Prevention/Intervention Specialist in the local school districts.
After his daughter's death in 2004, he made a promise (Heidi's Promise) that he would talk to as many people as he could about the results of drinking and driving and the tragedies that come with drug and alcohol use.
Since that time he has become a very popular and well respected speaker for prevention events all across the state. His ability to connect with both youth and adults has brought a sense of realism to the audiences and has inspired many to make a conscious choice to not get involved with drugs and alcohol.
His message is provocative, inspiring, heart-felt and real. Whether it's an assembly, a classroom presentation, or his educational seminars, his passion is evident in all he does. His mission is to fulfill his promise, and with your help, he'd love to share Heidi's story and life with you.
Assemblies
Underage Drinking – This program emphasizes the problems and the realities of underage drinking to our youth. It gives current statistics and both educates and discusses the health issues, dangers, and the possible consequences that surround underage alcohol use. This assembly-style program is presented by Eric Munson, who is both a Prevention Specialist and a parent who lost his 19 year old daughter in a crash caused by a DUI driver.
Classroom Presentations
Drugs and Alcohol - This presentation(s) discusses the realities of drug and alcohol use. It includes a basic overview of the current drugs being used and how they can affect you physically and psychologically. It will also emphasize both the short term and the long term affects of drug use and the consequences that come with it.
Adult Education
Drugs and Alcohol - This presentation(s) will identify and discuss the drug use issues with our youth today. It will include the signs and symptoms of drug use that a parent or guardian needs to watch for and a general overview of the drugs that our youth are using. Also, the current trends and resources that are available for adults and parents.
Prevention
We will work with your own prevention efforts and events or help to add or enhance your prevention campaign. We are also available to consult and design a specific event for the subject matter you wish to promote. We would love to work with you in any way we can!
Eric Munson
Please call us 206-790-8657
References
2009/10 School Year
Orting High School Orting, WA
Orting Middle School Orting, WA
Messiah Lutheran Church Auburn, WA
Tyee High School Burien, WA
Game of Life Youth Conference Kent, WA
Northshore High School Ocean Shores, WA
Cedar Heights Middle School Kent, WA
Showalter Middle School Tukwila, WA
Hazen High School Renton, WA
Mabton High School Mabton, WA
Montesano High School Montesano High School
Kent Town Hall Meeting Kent, WA
Clover Park High School Tacoma, WA
Lewis County DUI Task Force Centralia, WA
Mt. Si High School Snoqualmie, WA
Meeker Middle School Kent, WA
Game of LIfe - Kentwood H.S. Kent, WA
Cascade Middle School Auburn, WA
Auburn Mountainview H.S. Auburn, WA
Dear Mr. Munson,
Thank you for coming and speaking to our school. I learned so much from your presentation. It really hit me hard when you explained what happened to your daughter. I normally dont get emotional at school but honestly, I cried. Again thank you so much for opening my eyes and teaching me how precious life is. A. E.
Thank you for coming to talk to our school about drinking and driving. I know how hard it is to discuss your loss but because of you, I am fully aware of the serious affects of drinking and driving. Because of you I will never drink and drive and always encourage my friends and family not to either. The consequences are great and I would never want to face them. Thank you for everything. You have no idea how much you have affected my life and future decisions. K. A.
Thank you for speaking to our school about the negative affects of drinking and using drugs. I think many teens prefer to believe that nothing can happen to them and you've opened our eyes and took us away from that naive way of thinking. Thank you for being so open and real with us, as well as answering all our questions. A. J.
Dear Mr. Munson...
We hear all the time sad tragic stories of young beautiful lives being taken away. Never before have I been touched by one of these stories like I was with yours. We as young adults feel invincible all the time. We have our future thrown at us and it looks so bright, but one time is all it takes to turn off the lights of your future, to flip that switch with an ‘accident’. My heart is with you and your family always. Your story made this ‘kid’ promise to herself that she won’t use drugs ever in her life. You are a very strong person and may healing and strength come your way all throughout life. Thank you. C. B.
Thank you so much for coming in and telling your story. You opened up and were vulnerable and for that, I think you are quite brave. Your life story has touched me. It has made me think of my life and my decisions. I hope you continue to tell your story, and help teens like me. I really appreciate you taking your time and expressing your feelings. Thank you for your knowledge, your wisdom, further more your courage. G. G.
I don’t know if you’ll read this but I’d like to thank you for coming and talking to your class. I think it’s amazing that after losing your daughter you dedicated your time to being a drug and alcohol counselor. Also instead of hating people who drink, you try to help them. Your story inspired me and was very touching. I know you coming and talking to us has changed my decisions. I used drugs before and quit a couple of weeks ago. Your talk reminded me why I quit, so thank you for putting your emotions on the line in front of so many kids. I wanted to let you know you are appreciated. Anonymous
Mr. Munson's brave and emotional story not only speaks to the tragedy of these events on a family but celebrates the human spirit's ability to transend loss and move forward with new hope and promise. "Heidi's Promise" provides a moving and thought provoking message of one family overcoming tragedy and a will to make a change in their community. Jim Calderhead, Auburn Youth Resources
In our Gift of Life program, he has added a layer of realism that cannot be simulated. His pain is palpable and his ability to connect to the students is tremendous - he expresses himself in a frank and candid manner and shares his first hand experience in a way that changes lives. You can hear a pin drop when he speaks and the students hang on his every word. He is saving lives and making a difference in the lives of others. Tami Kapule, Kent Fire Department
Mr. Munson has spoken at the Gift of Life assemblies, the Game of Life Youth Conferences and a panel member for many town hall meetings, all focusing on underage drinking/substance use prevention. In each venue, his presentation style is real and his passion is visible. It is clear he is concerned for who he is speaking to. After each event, he is approached by people that want to share their experiences with him; that is because he can develop trust in someone so quickly and that allows them to be affected by what he says. Stacy Judd, Kent Police Department
Mr. Munson's presentation, titled "Heidi's Promise" should be seen and heard by every one in the country! Joseph Myrick, Puyallup WA
Counselor copes with Devastaing Loss of daughter as he works to help Others
Speaking at the AYR benefit last week, Munson's message was moving and clear. He doesn't want other parents or teenagers to experience the sorrow, the awful devastation from a tragedy like the one that struck his family nearly five years ago. His vow to communicate with others about the pitfalls of drug and alcohol abuse continues today as a prevention/intervention specialist at AYR, a community-based youth and family services agency.
Auburn Reporter Feb. 20, 2009
Turning Pain into Prevention
His presentation hit home. It makes you stop and think, Kentridge High School junior Kendra Evans said of the program. I was thinking of my dad in that position trying to talk if it was me. King County Journal May 27, 2005
Sumner hosts Alcohol Awareness Town Hall Meeting
The biggest impact of the meeting came courtesy of Munson, who in 2004 lost his daughter, Heidi Munson, a Kentwood student, in a drunken driving accident on Auburn-Black Diamond Road. Sumner Reporter April 11, 2008
A Father carries out a Promise to his Little Girl
Eric Munsons tears flow when he talks about his daughter Heidi. Last Friday, when Munson was the guest speaker at the Auburn Youth Resources 18th Annual Valentines Breakfast, was no exception. He was powerful, I was in tears. says Dr. Kim Anardi, a long time member of the AYR board. Seattle Post-Intelligencer Feb. 15, 2009
During your presentation I felt touched by your emotional story about your two daughters but also the great information you shared about drugs and alcohol. I admire the strength you must have to talk to so many junior and high school students. I have decided to make a promise, a promise to never let myself use drugs and stay strong on my decision. I also know it has changed many peoples perspectives in our school. I plan on eventually having a family of my own and living a healthy life. Again, I thank you. I just wanted to let you know that I am a kid who cares and has been changed by your presentation. M.K.
Before you came and talked to us, I thought that if someone was doing drugs they would be the only one affected by it. I didn't realize how much it could impact their family and friends too. I didn't really get just how much drugs affect someone elses life, until I heard it firsthand from you. You have really broadened my perspective on drugs and I'm sure many others as well. Again, thank you so much, and keep talking! E.C.
Wow, your speech you gave our class one of the most powerful things I have ever heard. I learned so much from it. The most important thing I learned is it only takes one time to mess everything up. It doesn't matter how good a person you are, it can still happen to you, as unfair as that is, it's true. I hear people talk about how they got high but is it worth risking your life? You've shown that the decisions we make truly do affect everyone around you. I don't want to even imagine that. Thank you so much, you're a strong man and I look up to you. A.R.
Previous Events
From Students
Adults
Media
Others
Youth & Family Resources
Click on Name for Website or Information
National Institute of Drug Abuse for Teens
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminstration
National Institute of Drug Abuse
The Washington State Teen Line
Alcohol/Drug Help Line
Washington State Alcohol/Drug Clearinghouse
Start Talking Now
Washington State Dept. of Alcohol/Substance Abuse Homepage
White House Office on Drug Control Policy
Liquor Control Board
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Safety Programs for Kids
Web of Addiction Homepage
Auburn Youth Resources Auburn, WA 253-939-2202
Lakeside Milam Recovery Center (Various locations)
Kent Youth and Family Services Kent, WA 253-859-0300
Valley Cities (Various locations)
Friends of Youth (Various locations)
Freedom Recovery Center Bonnie Lake, WA 253-862-7374
Social Treatment Opportunity Programs Puyallup, WA
Ruth Dykeman Youth and Family Services Seattle, WA 206-243-5544
Ryther Child Center Seattle, WA
Renton Area Youth and Family Services Renton, WA 425-271-5600
Sea Mar Renacer Youth Treatment Center Seattle, WA
Central Youth and Family Services Seattle, WA 206-322-7676
Consejo Youth and Family Services Seattle, WA
Asian Counseling and Referral Services Seattle, WA
Washington State Drug/Alcohol Agencies (The Greenbook)
Exodus - Youth Snoqualmie, WA 425-831-2624
INPATIENT FACILITIES:
Lakeside Milam Recovery Center Burien, WA
St. Peters Hospital Olympia, WA
Sundown M Ranch Yakima, WA
Fairfax Hospital (Addiction Recovery Treatment Services) 425-821-2000
Alcoholics Anonymous
Al-Anon/Al-Ateen
Cocaine Anonymous
Marijuana Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous World Services
Narcotic Anonymous Seattle
Nicotine Anonymous
Youth information
Adult Information
Youth Treatment
Recovery Support
If you would like more information on Heidi's Promise or want to schedule a program, please contact us by phone or email. We'd love to hear from you!
Contact form or call us at 206-790-8657
Donations to Heidi's Promise are gladly accepted through Auburn Youth Resources. Cash, check, and credit card donations are accepted. Donations can be made by mail or by phone to AYR at the address/phone number below. Please indicate that your gift is intended for "Heidi's Promise".
Thank you.
Auburn Youth Resources
816 F Street SE
Auburn WA 98002-6121
253-939-6946
ayr4kids.org
Friends and Sponsors
City of Kent Police Department
Kent Rotary Club
Messiah Lutheran Church
Kent School District
PSESD
GOS Printing
Matt Anderson - Graphic Designer (Logo)
Pacific Edge Photography
Kent Drinking Driver Task Force
Auburn School District
Sumner School District
Lewis County DUI Task Force
Snoqualmie Police Department
Auburn Police Department
