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Mariah's Challenge

Mariah Daye McCarthy was tragically killed on October 28, 2007 by an underage driver who had been drinking. At the funeral services for the McCarthy family's beloved daughter and sister, Leo McCarthy issued a challenge to the Butte community and especially to Butte’s young people. The Challenge, directed towards Mariah’s classmates and generation, is: let's strive to be the first generation of Butte Kids not to drink, Let's be the first graduating class without an MIP (minor in possession). Let's prevent drinking and destructive decisions from taking any more of Butte’s most valuable asset -- its youth.

While this challenge was directed to the teenage population, it cannot succeed without the involvement of the entire Butte community. We know that retailers can be more conscious about selling alcohol to minors; we know that law enforcement needs to take the lead on enforcing underage drinking laws; we know that Butte’s judicial system needs to provide strict sentences that will deter further MIP and DUI infractions. But more importantly, we need to educate Butte’s youth and adults about the dangers of underage drinking.

The family of Mariah Daye started Mariah’s Challenge and is directly challenging individuals to stop underage drinking.

Leo McCarthy lit the torch, and others came forward to bring Mariah's Challenge to life. From this challenge, a grassroots organization was formed with a threefold purpose:
To educate teens about the dangers of drinking and to challenge them to be MIP free
To help educate parents about the dangers and signs of teen alcohol abuse
To foster a culture change in Butte, MT, that has a long history of tolerance for alcohol abuse stemming from its early days as a copper mining camp

The time has come for a cultural change in Butte that has been stealing our youth. By standing up and stating ”I Accept Mariah’s Challenge” you are taking the first step. Come and join us!

Mariah's Challenge
www.mariahschallenge.com