Memorial Car Wash Saturday to Raise Awareness for Driving Safety

Brandy, Desiree and Krystal Atchley have been busy on the official "Seatbelts Save Lives" Awareness Car Wash In Memory of Brandon Duprie" Facebook event page, reminding readers that on Sunday, June 3, there will be a massive event at the (649 Griffin Ave) to remember a life cut short too soon and perhaps more importantly, to remind driver and passengers the importance of buckling up.

Brandon Duprie was just 21 when he was killed in April in a one-vehicle crash near Orting in which neither he nor his two companions were wearing seatbelts. According to this The News Tribune report, speed and alcohol were believed to have been involved.

At it's most basic, the event the Atchley sisters are organizing is a car wash. But what's driving the girls to spearhead this project isn't so much a desire to remember a friend -- they never even knew Duprie or his friends in life -- but to put some meaning into what otherwise was a tragic event in which a young life was lost.

Said Brandy Atchley on Facebook: "We didnt know Brandon or his family, something really caught me and my sisters and pulled us into this, I am not sure what it is or why but Brandon has really opened our eyes as im sure everyone elses [sic]. I feel like i knew him personally... but i didnt.. its such a weird feeling... i have never felt like this before.. "

Krystal, who is also a key player in the , said there will clearly be an emphasis on the importance of wearing your seatbelt when driving or riding in a moving vehicle. Proceeds from the car wash will go directly to Duprie's family.

Facebook has been the meeting place for those who will be participating -- Duprie's family and friends as well as the community; there are 125 people who have confirmed on Facebook that they will be attending the event.

Duprie's mother, Kim O'Leary, has shared her favorite photos of her son with this virtual community. She directed this comment to the Atchley sisters, "Brandon had such a giving quality about him...and it sure sounds like he is coming through out in you sisters he was simply amazing just like you."

The car wash runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Les Schwab. Presale tickets are currently available at or Specialty Sheet Metals in Kent. They cost $5 each and drive-ins are welcome as well. Contact Krystal Atchley at 360-761-8107 or Brandy Atchley at 253-298-7368 for further information.

Those who can't make the event on Sunday but would still like to help can also make a donation online at this GiveForward website set up for the family of Brandon Duprie.