We have established this foundation to honor the memory of Dustin Ledford who was killed in July of 2010 by an impaired driver. Dustin’s parents wanted something positive to come from their only child’s death. They award one senior from each of the three Cleveland City & Bradley County high schools with a $2000 scholarship each year.

As of today, they have given away over $150,000 in scholarship money. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must write an essay on the dangers of drinking and driving and include a story stating if they have ever been affected by the actions of an impaired driver. This scholarship is funded each year by an annual golf tournament and silent auction.

Bradley County Family Advocates for Safe Driving After Tragic Loss

Every day, 28 lives are lost to drunk driving, a statistic that became personal for Kim and Danny Ledford in 2010 when their only child, Dustin, was killed by an impaired driver. Determined to turn their grief into action, the Ledfords now work with the Victim’s Impact Panel of Tennessee, sharing their story to educate DUI offenders and the community about the devastating consequences of drunk driving. Kim Ledford’s heartfelt message emphasizes the importance of making the right choices, especially during the holiday season when celebrations are frequent. Through their efforts, the Ledfords hope to save lives and ensure Dustin’s death was not in vain. This holiday season, they urge everyone to plan ahead—designate a driver or call a ride service to prevent another tragedy.