“Smile Like Hadleigh’ is one mother’s way of finding healing and purpose through a new mission in the wake of an intense tragedy.
The new nonprofit organization seeks to help save the lives of others and prevent further tragedies by stopping driving under the influence (DUIs) through outreach and education.
Chari Lee lost her daughter, Hadleigh, to a drunk driver in an April 2024 accident that also claimed the life of a three month old infant, Loralei Golden. The Lee family was returning home after leaving a rodeo at the fairgrounds in Waycross and had been babysitting the Golden infant.
In the midst of her grief, Lee did not let it overcome her. Within four months she began working on what would become Smile Like Hadleigh.
“It really helped with me coping,” says Lee. “Every day was hard. Every day hurt but this was something I could do to honor her.”
A company in Douglas donated the pink trailer that she and other volunteers take to local events.
They use a special “beer goggles” device. The device simulates what it is like to be under the influence. This helps to show people how difficult it is to walk, much less operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Lee’s vision for Smile Like Hadleigh does not stop at education.
“My daughter was very giving and loving,” says Lee. “So in that spirit the organization sponsored two different scholarships, one for Ware County High School students and one for Pierce County High School students. Each applicant for the scholarship must complete a written response to the prompt “Why should stricter DUI laws be enforced?”
The organization’s most recent July 4 event involved gathering items for women at Bethesda House recovery services. The junior board, composed of Hadleigh’s friends and other young girls close to her in age, helped deliver them and learned about the positive changes those in recovery are trying to make.
Hadleigh enjoyed barrel racing, but was most passionate about gymnastics, so future plans include a possible athletic scholarship to honor her competitive nature.
For more information about Smile Like Hadleigh or to find out how you can help stop DUIs, please find them on Facebook, visit the website at smilelikehadleigh. org, email smilelikehadleigh@gmail. com or call 912-550-9448.
