On Jan. 30, MADD Broward County celebrated a VIP kick-off party at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale, for its 9th annual Ultimate Software presents the La Croix & Lennox National Account Services Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K brought to you by UBS. The fun-filled event featured delicious bites by BRIO Tuscan Grille Plantation, mocktails by LaCroix, a silent auction, raffle prizes and more. Over $7,500 was raised at the event, and stays in the South Florida community to save lives and support victims of drunk driving.
Special guests included MADD National Board Vice Chair Heather Geronemus; and Honorary Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K Chairs Matthew “Whiz” Buckley, whose older sister Monica was killed by a drunk driver, and Major Robert Chandler of Troop L, Florida Highway Patrol’s 3rd largest troop. Other local dignitaries were also in attendance. Cox Media Group’s Ellen Jaffe served as the emcee for the event. The MADD Broward Kick-Off was chaired by Rachel Perz, volunteer steering committee member and fundraiser for MADD.
MADD Broward member Kathy Fish shared her emotional story of how a drunk driver killed her husband while he was riding his bike, and how it has changed her life.
“Our kick-off party was a wonderful way to bring awareness to the dangers of drinking and driving which is still the number one cause of traffic deaths on our roadways. We’re excited for the 9th annual Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K, and grateful for our sponsors, donors and volunteers who support our mission to end drunk driving,” said Geronemus.
On Sunday, April 28, starting at Huizenga Park in Fort Lauderdale, thousands of walkers and runners will make strides in the ongoing fight against drunk driving during the 9th Annual Ultimate Software presents the La Croix & Lennox National Account Services Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5k brought to you by UBS. This event is MADD Broward County’s annual signature fundraising event in support of its mission to end drunk driving. It takes place in over 90 cities in the U.S., including Fort Lauderdale.The day’s festivities will also include children’s activities, an awards ceremony, live musical performances and vendor/educational booths.
Since it was established in 2011, this event has raised over $1.75 million that stays in the South Florida community to save lives and support victims of drunk driving. All event proceeds benefit MADD Broward & Palm Beach’s community education, victim support services and youth programs.
Events sponsors include Signature Sponsor Ultimate Software; Title Sponsors La Croix Water and Lennox National Accounts; Presenting Sponsor UBS; State Safety Champion Sponsor Alert Today Florida; Road Guardian Sponsors Aetna, Broward Sheriff’s Foundation, Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council; Corporate Champion Sponsors Brandsmart USA, Greenspoon Marder, Office Depot, Rubin, Turnbull & Associates, The Leo Goodwin Foundation and 411 Pain.
To register for the 9th Annual Ultimate Software presents the La Croix & Lennox National Account Services Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K brought to you by UBS, visit www.walklikemadd.org/fortlauderdale. For the most up-to-date event information, visit www.facebook.com/MADDDashFortLaud.
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.
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 & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K has raised more than $1.75 million since 2011. MADD’s Broward and Palm Beach chapters facilitate hundreds of free events each year to educate youth and parents on the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. Learn more at www.madd.org or by calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.
