Tedisco, Lyall Family, DeCrescente Distributing say demand for Coasters for Hope is huge; drink coasters with info on 7 local missing persons expanding from 5,000 to 50,000 coasters
Demand from local restaurants and taverns for the new “Coasters for Hope” to help find Capital Region missing persons is so large that the print-run for the drink coasters is being immediately increased from 5,000 to full implementation of 50,000 according to program partners Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville), Doug and Mary Lyall of the Center for Hope, and DeCrescente Distributing Company.
Coasters for Hope, which launched this past Thursday, features pictures and information about seven local missing persons that are being printed and distributed by DeCrescente to restaurants and taverns across the Capital Region.
Each drink coaster has a number where people can anonymously call or text a tip to law enforcement about a missing person’s case. A key way to jogging people’s memories in these cases to keep information about missing persons in the public eye.
“The overwhelming demand for the Coaster for Hope is a testament to how many caring and compassionate small businesses owners we have in the Capital Region. Now that we are able to fully expand to 50,000 coasters, there will be 10 times as many opportunities to help generate tips that could lead to a major breakthrough in these cold cases and help find a missing person,” said Tedisco.
“We are overwhelmed by the tremendous support from the restaurants and taverns in the Capital District wanting to display the Coasters for HOPE. This support and the support from DeCresente Beverages may be the catalyst to helping families and friends get the answers to finding their missing loved one,” said Mary Lyall of the Center for Hope, whose daughter Suzanne Lyall, a UAlbany student, has been missing since 1998.
“Thanks to all who have given their support and voice to the Coasters for Hope Program! Due to the overwhelming response and support of this inspirational initiative, we are happy to report that the pilot program will be fully expanded with an additional 50,000 coasters that were ordered today and that will continue to be distributed to bars and restaurants throughout the Capital District! Your heartfelt reaction has demonstrated the true spirit of our communities,” said C.J. DeCrescente, President of DeCrescente Distributing Company.
The Coasters for Hope are featuring the following Capital Region missing persons:
- Suzanne Lyall of Ballston Spa, a 19-year-old UAlbany student missing since 1998
- Ashley Carroll, age 24, of Troy, missing since 2010.
- Craig Frear, age 17, of Scotia, missing since 2004.
- Karen Wilson, age 22, a UAlbany student missing since 1985.
- Lutricia Steele, age 27, of Schenectady, missing since 2008.
- Peter Lorang, age 29, of Charlton, missing since 2001.
- Tammie McCormick, age 14, of Saratoga Springs, missing since 1986.
To submit an anonymous tip about these or any other missing persons case, call 1-800-448-3847; text NYMISSING (+Tip) to 274637; or visit www.troopers.ny.gov and click on CrimeTip Link.