Government and Law Enforcement Officials Joined 1,500 Participants for
Annual WALK Like MADD and MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale on May 4, 2014
More than $135,000 Raised; Donations Still Being Accepted
On Sunday, May 4, 2014, over 1,500 South Floridians of all ages and fitness levels gathered at the starting line at Huizenga Plaza in downtown Fort Lauderdale to raise funds and awareness at MADD’s (Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s) annual WALK Like MADD and MADD Dash 5K. Although the fastest runners were declared winners, the whole community won a victory in the campaign against drunk driving with raised funds totaling more than $135,000. Donations can be made through June 30, 2014 at www.walklikemadd.org/fortlauderdale.
Former WTVJ-NBC 6 anchor and longtime MADD supporter Tony Segreto emceed the event. VIP supporters and speakers included the event’s Honorary Chairwoman Susan Israel, City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler, Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca, and Broward Sheriff’s Office Colonel Alvin Pollack. Local country favorite Ciara Rae took to the stage to perform the National Anthem and a selection of songs. Popular tribute band 2 of Us got the crowd moving with a playlist of Beatles’ classics.
Prominently positioned at the center of Huizenga Plaza was a wrecked car involved in a DUI crash, showcasing the physical traumatic toll of drunk driving. Many participants wore team shirts depicting images of victims of drunk driving and carried signs asking for justice and awareness.
WALK Like MADD and MADD Dash 5K Fort Lauderdale Chairperson Heather Geronemus shared with participants her touching story about her personal connection with MADD. Her father, Dr. Robert Perry Geronemus, was struck and killed by a drunk driver in 2009.
“It’s so powerful to see so many South Florida residents, law enforcement and elected officials unite to battle drunk driving,” says Geronemus. “This is a 100 percent preventable crime. The decision to drink and drive starts with every one of us, every time we get behind the wheel of a car.”
WALK Like MADD and MADD Dash 5K sponsors included Ultimate Software, Anidjar & Levine, ADT Always Cares, Yellow Cab, LaCroix Sparkling Water and more than 30 other local supporters.
WALK like MADD takes place in more than 60 cities around the U.S. with thousands of participants walking – or dashing – in 5K events to bring awareness to the perils of drunk driving.
About MADD
Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking. MADD also supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every nine minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD-HELP. In South Florida, the chapter’s annual Walk Like MADD and MADD Dash have raised more than $250,000 in three years (2011–2013). MADD’s Broward and
