Thousands of walkers and runners will make strides in the ongoing fight against drunk driving during the annual MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) La Croix Water WALK Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K Presented by ADT Brought to You by Ultimate Software, on Sunday, April 24. WALK Like MADD & MADD Dash is MADD’s annual signature walk, which takes place in over 80 cities in the U.S., including Fort Lauderdale in support of MADD’s mission to end drunk driving.
The walk/run will start at Huizenga Park, 32 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301, at 7:30 a.m. and take place along Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk.
Since it was established in 2011, Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K has raised more than $750,000 for MADD Broward & Palm Beach. All event proceeds benefit MADD Broward & Palm Beach’s community education, victim support services and youth programs.
The day’s festivities will also include an awards ceremony, live musical performances, vendors and educational booths, and appearances by local dignitaries. Speakers will include year’s Honorary Chairperson Sheriff Scott Israel of Broward Sheriff’s Office and event Co-Chairs Heather Geronemus and Col. Alvin Pollock of Broward Sheriff’s Office.
“The 2016 Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K is a fun way to join forces with others in the community to stop drunk driving,” said Sheriff Israel. “By walking or running together, participants can not only enjoy a great event, but also reinforce the mission of MADD: to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.”
Geronemus, a Plantation resident and vibrant young professional who works for Ultimate Software, established/chaired the Fort Lauderdale event in 2011. Her father, Dr. Robert Perry Geronemus, was struck and killed by a drunk driver in 2009.
“No child, parent, family member, or friend should have to go through losing someone they care for as a result of drunk driving,” said Geronemus. “This event will continue to raise funds to educate our community on the dangers of drunk driving, provide victim support and youth programs to stop this violent crime — one that is completely preventable.”
In Florida in 2014, there were 676 drunk driving fatalities (.08 BAC or higher), representing 28.1 percent of all total traffic deaths. This figure represents a 4.7 percent decrease from 2013. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on average, two in three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime.
Events sponsors include Signature Sponsor Ultimate Software, Title Sponsor La Croix Water, and Presenting Sponsor ADT Always Cares. Road Guardian Sponsors are Allegiance Crane & Equipment, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County, Festival Flea Market Mall, Florida Community Bank, SunTrust Foundation, Yellow Cab Broward, and Greenspoon Marder Law. Corporate Champion Sponsors are Broward Health, Memorial Healthcare System, Grumer & Macaluso, P.A., Merrimac Ventures, Westway Towing, Durée & Company, Cannatelli Builders, Selfeo, and UPS. MADD Milestones Sponsors are Arctica Frozen Solutions, Baptist Health South Florida, Broward College, Comerica Bank, Sports Authority, Westfield Broward, Publix, Orangetheory Fitness, PNC Bank, Ed Morse Automotive Group, and OK Generators. Friends of MADD are Adams Benefit, Broward-Dade Safety Council, Crowe Horwath, Ginnis & Krathen, P.A., Holland & Knight, Tom O’Connell Attorney at Law, United Medco Pharmaceuticals, Vantage Hospitality Group, Inc., Exults, Dr. Gena Chiropractic, Gray Robinson Attorneys at Law, ANF Group, Inc., Westonlawyers.com, Florida Spine & Joint Institute, and Sole-Lutions. In-kind sponsors are Dunkin’ Donuts, Gran Forno Las Olas, Ft. Lauderdale Strikers Football Club, DJ Rush, Downtown Photo Fort Lauderdale, ArtServe, the Florida Panthers, and BRIO Tuscan Grille. Media sponsors are HITS 97.3, Sun Sentinel, and inWeston Magazine.
To register for the 2016 La Croix Water WALK Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K Presented by ADT Brought to You by Ultimate Software, visit www.walklikemadd.org/fortlauderdale. The 2016 Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K cost is $20 for adults (walkers and runners) and $15 for youth (walkers, under age 21) until March 24, 2016. After that time, the cost goes up to $25 for adults (walkers and runners) and $20 for youth (walkers, under age 21). Corporate, family and law enforcement team sign up is also available. Participants can sign up as an adult or youth virtual walker. Event sponsorships are available. Awards will be given for top fundraiser, top team (private and corporate), as well as overall and age group awards for 5K finishers.
For the most up-to-date event information, visit www.facebook.com/MADDDashFortLaud.