For the third consecutive year hundreds will walk and run along Ft. Lauderdale’s Riverwalk in the name of accomplishing one goal – to end drunk driving in Broward County.
On the morning of Sunday, April 28, Fort Lauderdale’s Huizenga Park will be filled with an overwhelming sense of excitement and optimism as two-time silver paralympic medalist Kari Miller takes the stage to address the hundreds who will participate in the 2013 Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash presented by Ultimate Software and AutoNation.
“In 1999, I was struck by a drunk driver and lost my legs,” states Miller. “Helping others whose lives have been altered by drunk driving is what continually motivates me on and off the sitting volleyball court– that’s why I support MADD Broward and their goal to end drunk driving.”
The State of Florida is currently ranked No. 24 on MADD’s DUI-related traffic death map – Maine (ranked 1st) has the lowest number of deaths and Hawaii (ranked 51st) has the highest number.
Tony Segreto will emcee the April 28 event at Huizenga Park as hundreds run and walk the 5k. “By bringing the South Florida community together, we will continue raising funds to educate our community on the dangers of drunk driving – helping to ensure that until drunk driving stops, the support system will be there for the inevitable victims of this violent crime, ” states Heather Geronemus, event chairwoman.
Geronemus, a Plantation resident and vibrant young professional who works for Ultimate Software, helped MADD Broward raise more than $200,000 in the past four years following her dad’s death; Dr. Geronemus was struck and killed by a drunk driver in 2009.
“As the largest automotive retailer in the United States, AutoNation proudly sponsors events that promote safe driving, like the “2013 Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash” which shines a light on the distracted driver,” states Gale Butler, AutoNation’s Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “Whether it’s someone who’s had too much to drink or who’s texting, it’s all the same result: dangerous driving.”
To register for the 2013 Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash visit www.walklikemadd.org/fortlauderdale. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for kids – corporate, family and law enforcement team sign up is also available. For the most up to date event info visit facebook.com/madddashfortlaud.
Following the awards ceremony participants will enjoy free refreshments, a victims’ tribute area, Kid Zone with bounce houses, a health and safety expo, and LIVE performance by “2 of Us” Fort Lauderdale’s most beloved Beatles Tribute Band.
All event proceeds benefit MADD Broward’s community education, victim support services and youth programs.
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. Learn more at www.madd.org or by calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.
APRIL 28
Huizenga Park, Fort Lauderdale
www.walklikemadd.org/fortlauderdale
