WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL) has been recognized by The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers, for his outstanding commitment to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. Congressman Rooney was one of 16 Members of Congress to be honored for his ongoing dedication.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 10,839 alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities in 2009. Of these alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities, 770 alone were in Florida. Understanding the scope of this national epidemic, this year’s award recipients joined The Century Council to help educate youth and their parents from middle school through college-aged students about responsible decision-making concerning beverage alcohol.

Congressman Rooney provided leadership and support for The Century Council’s Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix initiative on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The Ask, Listen, Learn program incorporates an interactive activity that encourages kids to “say ‘YES’ to a healthy lifestyle and ‘NO’ to underage drinking.” Further, the program urges parents to talk with their children early and often about the dangers and risks associated with underage drinking. At the Capitol Hill event, The Century Council partnered with the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian in history and short-track speed skater, Apolo Anton Ohno, and five-time Olympic athlete and swimmer Dara Torres, to promote healthy and active lifestyles among youth. Congressman Rooney’s support for our Capitol Hill event helped The Century Council reach policymakers and their children and encouraged middle school students to become Ask, Listen, Learn Team members.

The Century Council is a not-for-profit organization funded by distillers including: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; Pernod Ricard USA and Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc. Through legislation, education, and public awareness campaigns, The Century Council is a leader in the fight against drunk driving and underage drinking and promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol.