Missoula, MT — Motivated by tragedy and fueled by a desire to create change, a Montana organization is turning grief into advocacy through a program aimed at reducing drunk driving. The Montana Bar Fairies, initially formed in the Flathead Valley, has expanded to Missoula, bringing their unique initiative to a new community.
The organization, founded after the death of Bobby Dewbre, who was struck and killed by a drunk driver in 2023, is working to spread awareness and promote safe driving behaviors. Dewbre, a young man from the Flathead, was walking to his sober ride home after celebrating his 21st birthday when a car collided with him. His sister, Carli, was inspired to create the Montana Bar Fairies as a way to honor his memory and reduce the number of people affected by drunk driving.
The organization’s primary initiative involves leaving gift cards on cars left overnight in bar parking lots. These cards thank individuals for not driving drunk and include a picture of a drunk driving victim as a reminder of the potential consequences. The goal is to positively reinforce responsible behavior and raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence.
The Montana Bar Fairies, which started in the Flathead Valley, has since expanded to Bozeman and even Washington state. Now, with a branch in Missoula, the program is hoping to grow further. Suzanna Rosalez, the Missoula director for the Bar Fairies, took the initiative to start the local branch after moving to the area a year and a half ago.
“I grew up in the Flathead Valley and went to high school with Bobby,” said Rosalez. “I moved down here and had been waiting for someone to take the lead on getting the program started. When I realized no one else was going to do it, I thought I might as well step up.”
Despite the program’s growth, Rosalez says the Missoula branch is still in need of volunteers and sponsors. She hopes that more community members will get involved to help spread the message and ensure the initiative’s continued success.
In addition to the gift card initiative, the Montana Bar Fairies are also advocating for legislative change through Bobby’s Law — a bill aimed at creating harsher punishments for drunk driving. The bill, known as HB 267, passed the Montana House and is making its way through the state Senate. If approved, the law would create the crime of aggravated vehicular homicide for drivers involved in fatal accidents with a high blood alcohol level. A minimum sentence of three years would also be imposed.
Rosalez expressed her hope that the law will serve as a deterrent and encourage safer behavior on the roads. “It’s pretty surreal that it’s moving forward,” she said. “This isn’t about revenge or changing the past, it’s about changing the future and making our community safer for everyone.”
As the Montana Bar Fairies continue to grow and gain support, their message remains clear: one small act of kindness — whether through a thank you note, a gift card, or a legislative change — can make a difference in preventing drunk driving and saving lives.
For now, the Bar Fairies are calling on the people of Missoula to help them spread their message and create a safer, more responsible community. The organization’s work is a powerful reminder of how individuals and communities can turn personal grief into positive change.
