Cheers to the DD

by Adrian Nida
Vanguard Feature Editor

December 10, 2007 —

SVSU students can expect free drinks at participating establishments in the area - under certain conditions. Being a designated driver allows that person to receive free soft drinks at over 15 restaurants and bars throughout the Saginaw area.

In hopes that more students will be smart about the condition that they drive in, the CHEERS program will aid in them making better decisions.

Since the beginning of November, some area establishments have agreed to participate in the CHEERS program, which is designed to reward those who choose to be designated drivers.

"We are trying to encourage the idea of a DD," explained Program Coordinator Joe Richardson. "We want to give back to those who choose to be responsible."

Often, people believe that a designated driver is the person of the group that has drank the least amount of alcohol. This causes a problem of an increased number of drunk drivers.

"Realistically, the DD should be totally sober," Richardson said. "We hope that they might even be able to receive free cover to bars in addition to the free drinks."

SVSU students have already been taking advantage of the CHEERS program, receiving their free drinks for being a driver for their friends. Some students just hearing about the program seem excited and plan to use it in the future.

"It's a really good idea," said junior Bethany Goodpaster. "My friends and I will definitely use this and it will be even better once more establishments participate."

People looking to participate in the program don't have to be 21 to qualify as a designated driver. As long as they have a driver's license, SVSU ID, and are completely sober, they are eligible. If an establishment fails to give the driver their free drinks, students may call Richardson, who will contact that establishment.

The establishments were asked to participate in the program by Richardson and the Counseling Center. If the business agreed to participate, then the program gave them "Cheers" cups, posters, and coasters that they could use not only to promote the program, but also to serve those who were designated for a group. The merchandise gives the program publicity so that more people know about it and choose to take advantage of it.

"The program has about 16 establishments right now that are participating," Richardson said. "We hope that it will grow. We plan on going to the bowling alleys around here and places like Hamilton Street Pub where a lot of SVSU students go."

Counseling Center staff founded the idea for the Cheers program when they had found out that the state of Missouri had a statewide program that was similar.

"Missouri had a big problem with drunk drivers and they had the funds for a state-wide program," Richardson said. "We don't have the money to do anything on that level but we can at least do it for the Saginaw area."

CHEERS participating establishments


  • Bennigans 3095 Tittabawassee Rd., Saginaw, MI 48604

  • The Coast 7734 Gratiot, Saginaw, MI 48609

  • Don Pablo's Mexican Kitchen 3055 Tittabawassee Rd., Saginaw, MI 48604

  • Heck's Bar 555 Shattuck, Saginaw, MI 48604

  • Hooters of Saginaw 5538 Bay Rd., Saginaw, MI 48604

  • JB Meinberg's 116 S. Hamilton, Saginaw, MI

  • The Junction Bar & Grill 410 Mackinaw, Saginaw, MI 48603

  • Los Cuatro Amigos 4002 Bay Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603

  • Lucky's Pub/Westown 615 E. Midland St.., Bay City, MI 48706

  • Lumberjacks Steakhouse and Piano Saloon 605 E. Midland St., Bay City, MI 48706

  • O'Hare's 608 E. Midland St., Bay City, MI 48706

  • Midland Street Pub 610 E. Midland St., Bay City, MI 48706

  • Someplace Else 118 N. Michigan, Saginaw

  • Timbers 6415 State St. Saginaw Township

  • White's Bar 2609 State St., Saginaw, MI 48602

  • Woody O'Brien's 114 S. Hamilton Saginaw, MI

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