Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Southeast Florida celebrated its 14th Annual UKG & Salah Foundation Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K presented by the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County with an impactful 2025 VIP Kick-Off Party presented by Craig Zinn Automotive Group on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at BBX Capital in Fort Lauderdale. The event raised $14,000 to benefit MADD Southeast Florida’s community education, victim support services and youth prevention programs.
Drunk driving deaths have increased by 31% over the past decade with someone being killed or injured in a drunk driving crash every 78 seconds. Drunk driving is a 100 percent preventable crime, and MADD Southeast Florida’s goal is to end impaired driving.
More than 150 of South Florida’s most impactful philanthropists, top community leaders and local dignitaries were among the guests who enjoyed light bites provided by host BBX Capital and mocktails by LaCroix. Attendees also had the opportunity to support MADD Southeast Florida’s mission through a raffle and a silent auction featuring exclusive prizes such as elegant jewelry from Daoud’s Fine Jewelry, priceless autographed memorabilia from the Jason Taylor Foundation, and more.
NBC 6 Community Reporter Miriam Tapia emceed the special evening. Attendees heard inspiring stories from Walk Like MADD Fort Lauderdale Founder and Honorary Chairperson Heather Geronemus, Honorary Chairperson Colonel Nichole Anderson, Undersheriff of Broward Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Indiana Miranda. Zachary Zinn of Presenting Sponsor Craig Zinn Automotive Group and its six of its locations, including Toyota of Hollywood, Lexus of Pembroke Pines, Lexus of North Miami, Toyota of Hollywood's Amazinn Used Cars, Acura of Pembroke Pines and Subaru of Pembroke Pines addressed the crowd about the importance of being involved with this transformational organization.
“We are tremendously grateful for the unwavering support from all those who joined us for the 2025 VIP Kick-Off Party presented by Craig Zinn Automotive Group to support our mission to end impaired driving,” said Geronemus. “Two out of three people will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime. Saving lives and supporting victims of drunk driving wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated sponsors, volunteers and attendees who work tirelessly to educate the community on the tragedies that drunk driving causes.”
“We invite the entire community to join us for Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K on Sunday, April 27, to take steps to end impaired driving, a 100 percent preventable crime,” Geronemus continued.
The host committee for the 2025 VIP Kick-Off Party presented by Craig Zinn Automotive Group includes Patrick Daoud of Daoud’s Fine Jewelry, Alexa Diaz of Neighbors 4 Neighbors, Maggie Gunther of Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Gene Harvey of Amerant Bank, Lois Marino of BBX Capital, Jessica Rodriguez of Cloud Nine Nonprofit Advisors, Durée Ross of Durée & Company, Avesta Shaygannik of Northwestern Mutual, Samantha Strouse of BBX Capital and George Taylor of Brinkley Morgan.
Sponsors of Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5k include Signature Sponsors UKG and Salah Foundation; Presenting Sponsor Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County; Road Guardian Sponsor Craig Zinn Automotive Group; Corporate Champion Sponsors Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Durée & Company, Florida Highway Patrol, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Memorial Healthcare System and Miami Heat; Spotlight Sponsors Aetna, Bank of America, BBX Capital and Westway Towing; and MADD Milestone Sponsors Greenspoon Marder, Miami Dolphins, and Warren Henry Automotive Group.
Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K is a community-driven 5K that raises awareness about drunk and drugged 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 over $4 million to save lives and support victims of drunk driving, making it the most successful grassroots fundraiser in the history of MADD. Every dollar donated remains in South Florida to provide victim services and prevention education at no cost.
The 14th Annual UKG & Salah Foundation Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K presented by the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County will take place on Sunday, April 27. Thousands of walkers, runners, strollers, wheelchairs and supporters of all ages will come together in downtown Fort Lauderdale to raise awareness and funds to end impaired driving for good. The in-person race will start near Huizenga Plaza at 7:30 a.m., or supporters can also participate in a virtual option. For more information, visit www.walklikemadd.org/fortlauderdale.
Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K sponsorships are available. For the most up-to-date event information, visit www.facebook.com/MADDDashFortLaud.
For more information, please contact Special Events Manager Cameron Patasnik at Cameron.Patasnik@madd.org.
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