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. Two out of three people will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime. Drunk driving is a 100 percent preventable crime, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)’s goal is to end impaired driving.

In the ongoing fight against drunk driving and drugged driving, MADD Southeast Florida will host the 14th Annual UKG & Salah Foundation Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K presented by the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County on Sunday, April 27. Thousands of walkers, runners, strollers, wheelchair athletes, 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.

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; Honorary Chairperson Colonel Nichole Anderson, Undersheriff of Broward Sheriff’s Office; 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 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 nearly $4 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 MADD. Every dollar donated remains in South Florida to provide victim services and prevention education at no cost.

MADD is committed to leading prevention efforts with young adults, collaborating with law enforcement to keep roads safe from impaired drivers, as well as advocating for stricter sentencing and stronger laws, including the HALT Act that mandates anti-drunk driving technology in every new car. MADD continues to provide support services to victims and survivors of impaired driving at no charge through victim services specialists and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line.

“Every day, 37 lives are needlessly cut short in drunk driving crashes, leaving behind shattered families and communities. This heartbreaking, 100 percent preventable crime changes lives forever—and it’s why we must stand together, stronger than ever, to raise awareness and fight for change,” said Heather Geronemus, past chairwoman of the MADD National Board of Directors. “Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K is more than just an event—it’s a movement that saves lives and supports victims right here in South Florida. This impactful day of hope and action wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our attendees, board members, sponsors, and donors, who share the commitment to end impaired driving once and for all.” Geronemus’ late father, Dr. Robert Perry Geronemus was struck and killed by a drunk driver in 2009.

Event sponsors 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, and Memorial Healthcare System; Spotlight Sponsors Bank of America, BBX Capital and Westway Towing; and MADD Milestone Sponsor Warren Henry Automotive Group.