Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Chairs Event to Stop Drunk Driving

Online, April 5, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Fort Lauderdale, Florida- Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Frank Adderley, has agreed to be Honorary Chair of the second Walk Like MADD event and will be running the Inaugural MADD Dash 5k, in the interest of raising awareness and funds for MADD's local efforts to stop drunk driving, support victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking. MADD National President Laura Dean-Mooney will attend the event & speak at the opening ceremony. Heather Geronemus, daughter of Drunk Driving victim, Dr. Robert Perry Geronemus, noted Broward County Physician, is the Volunteer Chairperson of this event.

MADD is a "great organization that does great things for people who have been victimized by drunk drivers" said Chief Adderley. Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale is a "good opportunity for myself & other members of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department to participate in a worthy cause". Geronemus states that she is chairing this event "because MADD has been there for me since my father was killed in a violent pedestrian hit & run DUI crash, with everything from emotional support to joining me in court the day I had to look my father's killer in the eye. I have made it my mission to be there for MADD until we can find an end to this violent crime".

This will be the second Walk Like MADD event and the Inaugural MADD Dash 5k, a USATF Certified Course to raise funds for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in Broward & Palm Beach Counties. Walk Like MADD, a long-standing tradition for the national organization will take place at Huizenga Park, 32 East Las Olas Boulevard Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301.

With a lofty goal of $50,000.00, local MADD officials are proud to announce Ultimate Software, Maroone, Emerald Towing, Red Cap, Mass Mutual/DBS Financial Group and others as sponsors. This event takes place on May 1st, 2011 with registration at 6:00am, opening ceremony at 7:00am hosted by Dale McLean, Miami Heat Personality and owner of DJ Startime Entertainment, and the 5K Walk/Run beginning at 7:30am. Live entertainment and food will be provided from 8:00am - 11:00am.

For information on participating, the public can call 954.303.8136 or visit http://www.walklikemadd.org/fortlauderdale or e-mail [email protected].

Founded in 1980, MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD's Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving calls for intensive, high visibility law enforcement, mandatory ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, development of advanced vehicle-based technology and community support. MADD is a 501(c)3 non-profit grassroots organization with approximately 400 offices and 2 million members and supporters nationwide. For more information, call 1-800-GET-MADD or visit http://www.madd.org.