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11 Ways to Stay Safe at College Parties

9/7/2021

MBD Marketing and Events is working hard to support the Colorado State funded campaign, "No DUI Larimer" which is in its 5th year of DUI prevention and education. This month we are focusing on safe partying. With so many universities in a concentrated area, we have thousands of college students back to school this Fall. Statistically, this time of year yields this highest number of DUIs, fatal accidents and hospitalizations for young adults.

Every August, Larimer County welcomes tens of thousands of college students back to campuses in Fort Collins and Loveland (and in the other university towns that surround us). With that influx of students comes increased DUI risk, especially for freshmen in their first six weeks of school. Research shows that not only are these first six weeks the most risky, they are the time college students form drinking habits for the remainder of their time at school.

At No DUI Larimer, we don’t expect college students not to drink (or use marijuana). Instead, we encourage safe drinking and use habits.

Whether you’re new to college this year or about to graduate, try these tips to stay safe at your next college party.

Go with a buddy – If you’re going with a large group, divide into pairs so each person is responsible for one other. It’s much easier to keep track of one person after a few drinks than to try to remember who you came with and be sure everyone is accounted for. So buddy up, and look out for your partner throughout the night. Make a plan for how you’ll get home at the end of the night, and don’t leave until your partner is accounted for.

Eat and drink (water) first – Not only will this give you energy to get through the night, it will lessen the negative impacts of drinking alcohol.

Don’t leave drinks unattended – It takes less than a second for someone to slip a substance into your drink without your knowledge, and date rape drugs are designed to be odorless, tasteless, and colorless. Don’t trust that your friend or acquaintance watched your drink the whole time you were in the bathroom or getting some fresh air.

Don’t accept drinks from others – For the same reasons you should never leave your drink unattended, you also should not accept drinks from others. This includes your friends, who may have set the drink down and inadvertently given someone else the chance to add unwanted substances to it. Likewise, don’t drink from communal containers.

Maintain situational awareness – Be aware of your surroundings. This is easier said than done when you’ve been drinking, which is why it’s important to utilize the buddy system and pace your consumption.

Keep an emergency kit with you – Have a small kit with your ID, phone, keys, and cash or credit card that you can keep on you at all times. Do not set this down or keep it in a loose pocket. If you have space, a phone charger or backup battery is also a good idea.

Plan ahead, and stick to your limits – Decide before you start drinking how many drinks you plan to have. Keep a tally on your phone or have a sober buddy keep track for you. Picking a number and having someone keep you accountable are the easiest ways to keep your intoxicated self from having “just one more.”

Pace yourself – Just as important as the number of drinks you consume are the intervals at which you consume them. A good rule of thumb is one (or fewer) drinks per hour. Three shots taken in three minutes will leave you far more intoxicated and at-risk than three shots taken over the course of three hours.

Don’t leave with someone you don’t trust – Don’t trust your instinct that someone seems like a good person when you’re intoxicated. The best plan is to leave with the buddy you arrived with. If you can’t, make sure your friends know when you are leaving and who you are leaving with, and that you have a way to call 911 in case of an emergency.

Don’t walk alone – Especially after dark, stay on well-lit, busy streets as much as possible and don’t stray from your buddy. This helps keep your buddy safer, too.

Make the Call for a sober ride home – If you drove, biked, or walked to a party but don’t feel you can get home safely, leave your car or bicycle secured and get a ride home. Even if something happens to your vehicle, your life is far more valuable. You can ride with your friends, or, if you become separated from them, send a text or leave a voicemail letting them know when you’re leaving and which ride service you’re using. If you live in Larimer County, get $10 off a zTrip ride by texting #NoDUI to 970-224-2222. This code can be used once a month, every month. Or, check out our list of all ride services available in northern Colorado.

Follow No DUI Larimer on Facebook and Instagram for more safe drinking tips and local news.

No DUI Larimer: Drinking & Driving Penalties

7/12/2021

MBD Marketing & Events has been proud to be supporting the No DUI Larimer initiative. Part of our marketing campaign includes education. At No DUI Larimer, we talk a lot about the safety implications of impaired driving. But there are legal implications as well.

Deciding to Make the Call instead of driving impaired can save not just your life, but also time, money, and your license.

Read on for an overview of Colorado’s DUI/DWAI laws and penalties.

Colorado DUI/DWAI Laws

DUI/DWAI in Colorado
In Colorado, you are considered to be Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with a blood or breath alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. You can still be charged with a DUI if your test result comes back below 0.08%. You will be charged with a DUI if you refuse to submit to a chemical test while showing signs of intoxication or of being under the influence of drugs, including marijuana.

Although Colorado uses Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) language during sentencing, there is no difference in the statute (law) itself. DUI laws in Colorado cover impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or any combination of the two.

First Offense DUI

Misdemeanor
5 days - 1 year in jail
$600 - $1,000 fine
48 - 96 hours of community service
Mandatory 9-month license suspension
Alcohol education classes
Even for a first offense, defendants with BAC 0.15% or higher are designated “persistent drunk driver (PDD)” and sentenced as repeat offenders (see Persistent Drunk Driver section). This designation comes with mandatory jail time of 10 days, up to one year.

Second Offense DUI

Misdemeanor
Mandatory jail time of 10 days, up to one year
$600 - $1,500 fine
48 - 120 hours of community service
Mandatory 1 year license revocation
Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 2 years, up to 4 years
12 DMV points
Alcohol education classes

Third Offense DUI

Misdemeanor
Mandatory 60 days in jail, up to 2 years
$600 - $1,500 fine
48 - 120 hours of community service
Mandatory 2-year license revocation
Mandatory IID for 2 years, up to 4 years
12 DMV points
Alcohol education classes

Fourth Offense DUI

Class 4 felony
2 - 6 years in Colorado State Prison
3 year parole
$2,000 - $500,000 fine

Persistent Drunk Driver/Aggravated DUI

Penalty sustained if you: drive with a BAC 0.15% or greater; refuse to take a chemical DUI test; have two or more DUI convictions; or drive on a license suspended or revoked for DUI.
Mandatory Level II alcohol education and treatment program
Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device for 2 years, up to 4 years
Mandatory provide proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance coverage) for at least 2 years

First Offense DWAI

Misdemeanor
2 - 180 days in jail
$200 - $500 fine
24 - 48 hours community service
8 DMV points

Second Offense DWAI

Misdemeanor
Mandatory 10 days in jail, up to one year
$600 - $1,500 fine
48 - 120 hours community service
8 DMV points
Mandatory 2 years probation, up to 4 years
Mandatory 1-year license revocation if second offense occurs within 5 years of the first

Third Offense DWAI

Misdemeanor
Mandatory jail time of 60 days, up to one year
$600 - $1,500 fine
48 - 120 hours community service
8 DMV points
Mandatory 2 years probation, up to 4 years
Mandatory 2-year license revocation

Fourth Offense DWAI

Class 4 felony
2 - 6 years in prison
3 year parole
$2,000 - $500,000 fine

How many points will cost you your license?
Adult Drivers (21 and older)

12 points in a 12-month period, or
18 points in an 18-month period

Minor Drivers 18-20 Years Old

9 points in a 12-month period
12 points in 24 consecutive months, or
14 points or more between the ages of 18 and 21 years old

Minor Drivers Under 18

6 points in 12 months, or
7 points before turning 18

Colorado’s Chargeable BAC Level
In Colorado, the “legal limit” for drinking and driving is a BAC of 0.08%. It is important to note, however, that alcohol affects people differently, and a BAC of 0.05% may be enough to cause impairment. Therefore, if you show signs of driving under the influence and/or cause an accident, and your BAC is 0.05% or higher, it is a permissible inference that you drove under the influence of alcohol, and you can be charged.

Providing Alcohol to a Minor
In Colorado, people who “sell, serve, give away, dispose of, exchange, or deliver or permit the sale, serving, giving, or procuring of any alcohol beverage to or for any person under the age of twenty-one years” can be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor. This conviction can include a prison sentence in a county jail of at least three months and up to one year. Fines range from $250 to $1,000.

Avoid penalties and save your life – or another’s – by always Making the Call. Follow No DUI Larimer on Facebook for tips and updates from us and our partners.

NO DUI Larimer Collaboration with Thompson Valley EMS

5/19/2021

MBD Marketing & Events continues to support Partners and assist with marketing outreach of the No DUI Larimer Campaign.
In recent months we have formed a partnership with the Thompson Valley EMS.

No DUI Larimer is pleased to announce our latest collaboration, this time with Thompson Valley Emergency Medical Services (TVEMS). The emergency medical personnel at TVEMS see firsthand the effects of impaired driving on Northern Colorado’s roadways.

Thompson Valley EMS was founded in 1983 and is Loveland’s leading provider of emergency medical services, EMS education, and EMS training. The organization’s 80 employees and 12 ambulances respond to over 15,000 TVEMS seeks to promote and facilitate the responsible provision of medical services within the Thompson Valley Health Services District.

As part of its vision for compassionate care, TVEMS became a registered CARES program in 2017, providing community outreach and health education to people to prevent illness and injury. In the coming weeks, you can expect to see No DUI Larimer and Thompson Valley EMS promoting each other’s messaging as part of our community health education mission.

EMS Training through Thompson Valley Emergency Medical Services
Photo credit: Thompson Valley EMS Facebook

At No DUI Larimer, we believe the issue of impaired driving is best addressed through community collaboration, and we are proud of our partnerships with the Colorado Department of Transportation and TVEMS, two organizations tasked with improving the safety of Colorado’s roads. Together, we can combat impaired driving in Northern Colorado. Follow Thompson Valley EMS and No DUI Larimer on Facebook for updates on our collaboration. Make the Call.

No DUI Larimer Partners with Colorado Department of Transportation

4/20/2021

MBD is proud to be a marketing partner for No DUI Larimer.

No DUI Larimer is excited to announce our partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). CDOT was founded over 110 years ago as a department of the state to ensure Colorado would have a safe, well-maintained highway system. Today, that safety mission includes programs related to impaired driving, distracted driving, car seat safety, motorcycle safety, pedestrian safety, teen driving, and seat belt usage.

For each of its programs, CDOT collects and reports on data related to a specific safety concern. This data is available to the public at https://www.codot.gov/safety. The data that CDOT collects is invaluable to our No DUI Larimer program; with CDOT’s data, we can ask our viewers and visitors to Make the Call to report impaired driving based on real statistics and evidence. Between CDOT’s data reporting and No DUI Larimer’s public requests to “Make the Call,” we are confident this will be a valuable partnership.

Every day, No DUI Larimer appeals to the public to “Make the Call” through print advertisements; television advertisements; social media engagement; and local sponsorships and partnerships. We believe the issue of impaired driving is best solved when a community comes together to address the problem. We ask the public to Make the Call for a safe ride home from a night out, and to Make the Call to 911 to report drivers showing signs of intoxication. It is up to all of us to keep Larimer County’s roadways safe.

With this new partnership, you will see No DUI Larimer and CDOT sharing information and social media messaging online. No DUI Larimer is proud to partner with CDOT – a longstanding, comprehensive traffic safety organization – to combat the issue of impaired driving in Larimer County. Make the Call.

Make the Call for a Ride Home in Larimer County

12/10/2020

If you’re out drinking or using drugs and need to Make the Call for a safe ride home, we’ve got you covered. No DUI Larimer has compiled a list of ride services throughout our county. Just scroll down to your city for name, description, and contact information for each service.

Fort Collins

zTrip: Ride services for northern Colorado with flat rate pricing. Runs 24 hours. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. To get $10 off a zTrip EVERY month, text #NoDUI to 970-224-2222.
Contact: Use the app or call 855-MY-zTrip

Lyft: Pricing based on demand. Runs 24 hours as long as drivers are available. Download the Lyft app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also sign up or get an estimate here [https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/fort-collins-co].
Contact: Get help through the app or online.

NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night rides. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/].
Contact: 970-235-0690

Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup.
Contact: 970-599-9519

Ram Ride x Lyft: A taxi service for Colorado State University students that runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Ram Ride now pairs with Lyft to provide discounted rates (up to 50% off, up to $10 off per ride) to current CSU students. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Contact: 970-491-2248 until 5 p.m. or through the app

Transfort (currently FREE due to COVID-19): Fort Collins’ bus service. Does not run late at night. Check the schedule at www.ridetransfort.com.
Contact: 970-221-6620

Uber: Similar to Lyft, pricing based on demand. Runs 25 hours. Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Contact: Get help online or through the app

FLEX: City bus system with routes between Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, and Boulder. Fare is $1.25 per ride per adult – exact change required. Does not operate on certain holidays or very late at night. See the current schedule here [http://www.ridetransfort.com/routes/flex].
Contact: 970.221.6620

Loveland

zTrip: Ride services for northern Colorado with flat rate pricing. Runs 24 hours. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. To get $10 off a zTrip EVERY month, text #NoDUI to 970-224-2222.
Contact: Use the app or call 855-MY-zTrip

Lyft: Pricing based on demand. Runs 24 hours as long as drivers are available. Download the Lyft app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also sign up or get an estimate here [https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/fort-collins-co].
Contact: Get help through the app or online.

Uber: Similar to Lyft, pricing based on demand. Runs 25 hours. Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Contact: Get help online or through the app

COLT (City of Loveland Transit): Loveland’s city bus service. Adults 18-59 ride for $1.25. Check the schedule and routes at https://www.cityofloveland.org/services/public-works/bus-service. Does not run late at night.
Contact: (970) 962-2700

FLEX: City bus system with routes between Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, and Boulder. Fare is $1.25 per ride per adult – exact change required. Does not operate on certain holidays or very late at night. See the current schedule here [http://www.ridetransfort.com/routes/flex].
Contact: 970.221.6620

NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night rides. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/].
Contact: 970-235-0690

Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup.
Contact: 970-599-9519

Estes Park

NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/].
Contact: 970-235-0690

Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup.
Contact: 970-599-9519

Estes Park Shuttle Service (FREE): Offers limited hours during the winter. Park at the town’s free parking structure (near the Estes Park Visitor Center) to pick your car up later. Currently operates on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Runs continuously, no reservations required. View the current schedule here [https://www.visitestespark.com/plan/getting-around/free-shuttle-buses/].
Contact: 970-577-3957 if you have questions

Eddie Limo: Offers luxury transportation for special events. Must book ahead of time. Services mountain cities, even in winter.
Contact: 303-803-7363

Colorado Canyon Connection: Offers one-way trips in town for $10 and round-trip for $15. Operates 24 hours; pickups requested between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. cost an extra $5. Out-of-town trips are available for a different fee.
Contact: 970-614-8669 or book in advance online [https://www.coloradoshuttleservice.com]

Windsor

NOCO Party Bus: Perfect if you’re planning an outing with a big group. Pricing is hourly and based on number of passengers; view options and pricing here [https://www.nocopartybus.com/pricing/].
Contact: 970-235-0690

Genesis Executive Transportation: Luxury limousine and car service. Rates are charged per mile, hourly, or customized. View pricing online [https://www.genesis-executive.com/rates]. Must book ahead of time. Offers late-night pickup.
Contact: 970-599-9519

Uber: Similar to Lyft, pricing based on demand. Runs 25 hours. Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Contact: Get help online or through the app

Sapphire Car Service: Luxury taxi service, happy to accommodate short rides for individuals. Does not require advance booking. Contact Sapphire Car Service for more information.
Contact: 979-545-0919

Next time you’re out in Larimer County, Make the Call for a safe ride home!

The No DUI Larimer coalition and campaign was born out of the need to address the problem of impaired driving in our community. The goal is to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances by increasing community responsibility for safe and responsible driving.

Our campaign is encouraging the public to “Make the Call” to end impaired driving in our community. Make the Call to get a safe ride home. Make the Call about whether you should get behind the wheel, and Make the Call to report suspected impaired drivers. Driving under the influence IS an emergency–please call 911 if you see someone you suspect is driving impaired.

Ending impaired driving is a joint effort between law enforcement, government agencies, alcohol and cannabis retailers, local nonprofits, and the community. We need your help to stop impaired driving before it happens, and when it’s happening. Thanks for doing your part.

-Partners, RAR, MBD Marketing & Events

NoCo Boo's & Booze 2015

8/19/2015

We've had lots of inquiries about our annual Halloween party, NoCo Boo's & Booze!
Thanks for all your continued support!!!!

The My Big Day staff met to talk about all the 'Signature Events' we offer, and we've decided to take our Halloween party to a new level! There are tons of new things in the works. As a result....

***Note***
NoCo Boo's & Booze is on hiatus for 2015!
We are working on our BIG idea for next year (2016)!
You're going to LOVE it!
We can't spill the beans on what we are planning, but we CAN tell you that it's
NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE!

Stay tuned!!!

Bootlegger's Ball Update

12/30/2014

It seems all of Colorado is buzzing over the Bootlegger's Ball! We have guests coming from Denver, Longmont, Berthoud, Boulder, Loveland, Fort Collins, Timnath, Westminster, Greeley, Cheyenne, Thornton, Windsor - and the mountains!
We promise not to disappoint!

Here are some updates from your planning team:

Prizes for the Bootlegger's Ball are announced!

My Big Day and the Embassy Suites will be giving away some prizes for contests taking place the night of the party... (hint- be sure to dress the part this NYE!)

We'll be giving away some romantic roses, wine, a gift basket from the Embassy Suites Spa; Spa Botanica, and a gift certificate valued at $150 for Spa Botanica!

My Big Day had an opportunity to hang out in the Embassy Suites test kitchen! We were lucky enough to taste - test our Bootleggers Ball cocktail menu creations!

Thank you to Midnight Moon for your yummy moonshine! Your drinks will get this party rowdy real fast!

Discount hotel rooms for New Year's Eve are officially SOLD OUT!

Tickets to the ball are still available at
EveningAtTheEmbassy.com

Stay Safe This New Year -- Don't Drink & Drive
My Big Day urges fellow partiers to stay safe this New Year's Eve.
If you don't have a designated driver, please print the list of local car services in Northern Colorado, so you can get a ride home!

CLICK HERE for a list of car services in Northern Colorado.

We only have about 24 hours left!
You can still purchase tickets at their regular price!

"An Evening at The Embassy; New Year's Eve Bootlegger's Ball"
EveningAtTheEmbassy.com

Don't forget about the decadent dinner being offered at the Embassy Suites' Rocky River Bar & Grill! This special menu is available New Years Eve ONLY!
Reservations can be made by calling the hotel at 970-593-6200 and asking for “RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS”.

Thank you for celebrating with us!
Let's put 2014 to rest and celebrate 2015 in style!

My Big Day Events
Christine Kovacs Forster, Owner/ Party Planner
Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068
Located in Loveland, CO
Website: MyBigDayCompany.com

Stay Safe This New Year -- Don't Drink & Drive

12/28/2014

My Big Day urges fellow partiers to stay safe this New Year's Eve.

If you don't have a designated driver, please print the list of local car services in Northern Colorado, so you can get a ride home!

My Big Day will provide this list at our annual New Year's Eve party. But if you are heading to another NYE party in Northern Colorado and don't have a DD, this list could be your best friend!

Northern Colorado Car Services:
Trunk Drivers (970) 658-0806
Shamrock Yellow Cab (970) 224-2222
All American Limo & Taxi (970) 310-3727
Genesis Car Service (970) 599-9515
Central Car Service (970) 223-9933
Sapphire Car Service (970) 545-0919
NoCo Executive Comfort (970) 218-2964

Northern Colorado's Largest NYE Party!

12/22/2014

Embassy Suites and My Big Day Events present:

"An Evening at The Embassy: New Year's Eve Bootlegger's Ball!"

It’s the largest New Year’s Eve party between Denver and the Canadian border! And YOU are invited!

On December 31st the Embassy Suites in Loveland will transform their ballroom into a 1920’s themed underground dance hall. Guests can expect an entertaining evening with, hors d oeuvres, DJ, dancing, special tasters of Midnight Moon moonshine, happy hour pricing all evening, signature cocktails, contests, champagne toast, discounts on hotel rooms, and optional childcare provided by Seeking Sitters (for an additional charge). Guests are encouraged to dress in 1920’s style clothing. A portion of all the event proceeds go to the Food Bank for Larimer County.

Event Specifics
Date: December 31st, 2014
Location: Embassy Suites Loveland 4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland, CO 80538
Time: 7:30pm - 12:30am
Attire: Prohibition Era (1920's-1930's style) clothing is encouraged
Accommodations: Bootlegger's Ball guests will receive an email after they purchase tickets with a discount code for hotel reservations

Tickets: $60
$70 at the door, if tickets still remain

Website: EveningAtTheEmbassy.com

NoCo Boo's and Booze Halloween Party: at the Mainline

9/17/2014

My Big Day Events presents our 7th annual Halloween party, "Noco Boo's and Booze!"
Spirited Halloween party people come from all over Northern Colorado!
(Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, Greeley, Berthoud, Timnath, Longmonth, Johnstown, Evans, Estes Park, etc.)

Formally called "Massacre on Mahogany," this party has grown year after year, and has moved to a new location!

This year we've partnered with The Mainline Ale House in Old Town to host the wildest Halloween Bash in NoCo. The entire upper level is a private party just for our VIP guests!

My Big Day is offering unbelievable ticket prices & value for everything you need for a memorable night out!

Tickets include:
-- Event Entrance to the Exclusive Top Level Party
-- 2 Drink Tickets Per Person
-- DJ/Dancing
-- Costume Contest & Prizes
-- Discounted Bar Prices
-- Signature Cocktails
-- Free Appetizer and Sodas for DD's
-- Discount at Life of the Party Costume Shop
-- A donation to our chosen non-profit, Partners Mentoring Youth

The place to be this Halloween in Old Town! This is not your next-door neighbor's house party... and this is not a teenagers club night.
This IS the perfect party for adults looking for a night out!

TICKETS