Bar Fairies Aim to Shift Montana Drinking Culture

Missoula, say hello to your new nightlife guardian angels: the Montana Bar Fairies. These are not your average winged creatures; they are blessed real-life volunteers wearing reflective vests and spreading the love, one coffee gift card at a time.

This program, originating from the Flathead Valley, was started as a result of tragedy. Just after celebrating his 21st birthday, Bobby Dewbre died in 2023 at the hands of a drunk driver. His sister, Carli, turned her heartbreak into action and started the Montana Bar Fairies to honor his memory and encourage others to make smart choices. ​

Here’s how it works: on weekend mornings, volunteers search bar lots for cars that were parked overnight. If they see one, they leave a $5 coffee gift card on the windshield, along with a heartfelt note and a photo of a drunk-driving victim. It’s a simple gesture that carries a powerful message: Thank you for not choosing to drive under the influence. ​

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Suzanna Rosalez leads Missoula’s chapter, joining ones in Bozeman and even as far as Washington state. The mission is to promote responsible choices and change the drinking culture in Montana to one of responsibility and accountability. ​

The group is also advocating for “Bobby’s Law,” which would create stricter punishments for DUI offenders who have a high blood-alcohol content. Under the proposed legislation, such acts would be considered aggravated vehicular homicide, highlighting the seriousness of driving while extremely intoxicated. ​

So if you choose to leave your car at the bar next time, you may find a little something on your windshield the next morning. It’s not merely a complimentary coffee, it’s a community’s way of saying, “Thank you for making our roads safer.”