What started as a tragic accident in 1998 has lead to an annual event and fundraiser to benefit Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Joyce and Jennifer Bennett, both then residents of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., were killed by a drunk driver traveling on Lebanon Road in December 1998. The accident rocked the docile world of Mt. Juliet and of course drew much attention from the community -- parents and youth alike.

As a response to the accident and as a goodwill effort, Mt. Juliet Police Lieutenant Wesley Neely called a friend after the tragedy to brainstorm about what they could do in the community to counter such atrocities as drunk driving. The friend, who worked at a radio station, suggested they begin some sort of charitable initiative which would raise funds to confront the issue of drunk driving head on.

That initiative is now known as the annual Cops and Jocks Celebrity Softball Game. The event is a mix of police officers from the Mt. Juliet Police Department and other local law enforcement officials and notables from the sports and entertainment community in and around Middle Tennessee for a night full of fun which includes softball and a live auction.

Participants in the last seven years of the Celebrity Softball game read like a Who’s Who from the Middle Tennessee area. Charlie Daniels, who is always interested in humanitarian efforts and goodwill in his hometown community of Mt. Juliet, headlined one year’s effort. Tennessee Titans Craig Hentrich and Donnie Nickey, along with various country music artists including Vince Gill, Andy Griggs, Blake Shelton and Daryl Singletary, are just a few of the personalities who participated in last year’s event.

Sponsors supporting this year’s cause include radio station 103 WKDF and Providence MarketPlace. Both companies are eager to help impact the communities in which they have a presence and to counter the negative drunk driving statistics which continue to grow in every community.

Make a difference. Get involved in something worthwhile, the life you save may be your own.

For more information on Cops and Jocks visit: www.copsandjocks.com.