Family Turns Grief Into a Mission to Save Lives in Guilford

On December 16, 2015, members of the Mason family presented a check for $9,000 to the Guilford Police Department in support of their efforts to improve traffic safety efforts in Town, the Guilford Police Department said in a statement Monday.

To date, the Mason family has donated $73,000.00 in memory of Kelley Mason, who was killed in a car accident in 2009.

The Masons believe Kelley would have survived the crash had she been wearing her safety belt. They have been raising money since her death through an annual silent auction fundraiser.

The Masons asked that the money be used for education, awareness, programs, and enforcement of seat belt laws in hopes that no other family will have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in a car accident the way they did.

The Guilford Police Department has used the funds for a variety of programs including: increased enforcement, child safety seat installation, increased officer training in the areas of seat belt restraint and enforcement, and equipment purchases to support the child safety seat program including child safety seats for those who are unable to afford them.

The Mason family has received awards and recognition statewide since their efforts began, further ensuring the legacy of Kelley Mason through their hard work and generosity.

Pictured in the attached photo are, from left:
Heather Dion, Chip Mason, Christine Gerardi, Chief Jeff Hutchinson, Rose Mason, and Martha Carlson, Chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners.