From 2019-2021, drunk driving deaths in the United States increased by 31 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s April 2023 report. This is a 100 percent preventable crime, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)’s goal is to see a future with no more victims. In the ongoing fight against drunk driving and drugged driving, MADD Southeast Florida will host thousands of walkers, runners and supporters at the 13th Annual UKG Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K presented by the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County. The event includes an in-person race on Sunday, April 28 starting near Huizenga Plaza in Fort Lauderdale, plus a virtual participation option. Festivities will include children’s activities, an awards ceremony, live musical performances, and vendor/educational booths. The event will be attended by dignitaries including Walk Like MADD Fort Lauderdale Founder and Honorary Chairperson Heather Geronemus, Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony, Sgt. Ryan Clifton from Broward Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Trevor Thomas from Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s DUI Unit, and Lt. Indiana Miranda from Florida Highway Patrol. Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K is a community-driven 5K that raises awareness about drunk driving and underage drinking while uniting community members around MADD’s mission. Since it was established in 2011, Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K has raised more than $3.7 million that stays in the South Florida community to save lives and support victims of drunk driving, making it the most successful grassroots fundraiser in the history of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Every dollar donated remains in South Florida to provide victim services and prevention education at no cost. “As drunk driving deaths in the U.S. have increased, we must come together as a community and make others aware of the 100 percent preventable tragedies that drunk driving causes. This meaningful event raises both awareness and funds to eliminate drunk and drugged driving,” said Geronemus, who is also the immediate past chairwoman of the MADD National Board of Directors. “With the outpouring of support from our attendees and sponsors, we are pleased to host this event year after year to help MADD Southeast Florida provide free victim services and prevention education in South Florida.” Geronemus’ late father, Dr. Robert Perry Geronemus, was struck and killed by a drunk driver in 2009. Event sponsors include Signature Sponsor UKG; Presenting Sponsor Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County; Corporate Champion Sponsors Durée & Company, JM Family, and Memorial Healthcare System; Spotlight Sponsors LaCroix, Publix, and Westway Towing; and MADD Milestone Sponsor David Geronemus & Mitzi Lyman. When: Sunday, April 28, 2024; 7:30 a.m. Where: In-person Race: Across from Huizenga Plaza SE 1st Avenue and Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301 Virtual Walk/Run: Any place the participant chooses. Cost (In-person and Virtual): Adult 5K Runner and Walker: $35 Youth 5K Runner and Walker (ages 5-18): $30 Dogs: $10 How: To register for the in-person or virtual 13th Annual UKG 2024 Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K presented by the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County, visit www.walklikemadd.org/fortlauderdale. 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. Please contact Rachel Stephens, Special Events Manager, rachel.stephens@madd.org with any additional questions. 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 Southeast Florida, the organization’s annual Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K has raised more than $3.7 million since 2011. Under MADD Southeast Florida, hundreds of free events take place each year to educate youth and parents on the dangers and consequences of impaired driving in Broward, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Counties. Learn more at www.madd.org or by calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.