MUSIC FESTIVAL TO BENEFIT D.A.R.E., OFFICERS

She knows the months, but Carol Westbrook can only recite instantly the
birthdays of one of her six grandchildren.

Summer Star Wallace entered the world at 9 a.m. on Jan. 21, 2000. That date
is ingrained in Westbrook's memory because of another life-changing event.

Eighteen hours after Summer's life began, the life of Westbrook's son
ended. Wayne Riddle, 26, committed suicide after years of battling drugs
and alcohol.

Westbrook, an Atlanta musician who grew up in Sheffield, recalls her son's
problems began in middle school when a friend introduced him to sniffing
gasoline. Riddle grew up in Atlanta, crossing back and forth the line
between sobriety and addiction.

"He would go through periods where he would quit alcohol," Westbrook said.
"But I can't tell you how many family weekends I went to at rehab hospitals
in North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia."

Two years after Riddle's death, his family is turning a tragedy into
something positive. The Dare to Dream Fest honoring Riddle will kick off at
2 p.m. Saturday at the Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum. Proceeds from the
music festival will benefit D.A.R.E. and school resource officers in
Colbert and Lauderdale counties.

Lisa Bevis, Westbrook's niece, said planning the event grew from a possible
backyard concert to a festival with about a dozen musical acts supported by
local businesses.

"We didn't have alcohol and drug educational programs when I was younger,"
said Bevis, a former radio DJ in the Shoals. "The kids can learn now at a
young age to prevent something like this from happening again."

Standing next to a poster-size photograph of her son, Westbrook will share
his story as she introduces the music portion of the festival. "This event
makes me feel he didn't die for nothing," said Westbrook, who dreamt for
the past two years of organizing an event that could help other families.
Westbrook said the it's would be about giving back to the community.

In Colbert County, the timing couldn't have been better, said Sheriff
Ronnie May, who has seen D.A.R.E. grants dwindle to $2,500 from $10,000 two
years ago.

Donations will offset costs of putting deputies in school and buying
instructional materials, he said.

"It will help because we have to give children much information as we can
to help them make the right decision," May said.

The event also will be a family affair with several of the musical groups
being close friends or relatives. The dozen acts donated their talents to
the event.

Bevis' father is part of the local music group 3 Generations; her sister,
Karen Sanford, who is assisting with the event, is in Rampage ; and her
sisters-in-law make up The Peace Family. The groups will be part of a show
featuring country, contemporary Christian rock and other types of music.

Crafts, food and children's games will be set up inside and outside the
Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum. Westbrook and Bevis said dozens of companies
like Clearchannel Radio donated services and door prizes that will be given
out every hour.

One company donated costumes of cartoon characters and members of the
Tennessee Valley Wrestling Association will be on hand meeting with fans.

Florence police officers have also offered to fingerprint children as part
of identification kits, Bevis said.

Besides helping school resource officers who are among the first line of
defense in straying children away from drugs and alcohol, the festival may
help other families personally, Westbrook said.

A memorial banner will be available for people who have lost someone to
drugs and alcohol to sign their names, Westbrook said.

"I hope it's the start of the healing process for some families," Westbrook
said.

Emilio Sahurie can be reached at 740-5803 or emilio.sahurie@-timesdaily.com.

WANT TO GO?

... What: Dare to Dream Fest 2002. The music festival benefits law
enforcement officers in Colbert and Lauderdale assigned to schools.

... When: Saturday, 2-10 p.m., with music beginning at 4:30 p.m.

... Where: Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum

... Cost: $4 for adults and $2 for children. Advanced tickets that cost $1
less will be sold at Joyful Noise Music in Littleville and Starburst Café
in Killen.

... Details: 718-3350

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