More than 3,000 participants showed their support for MADD North Texas at our 6^th annual Walk Like MADD in Uptown Dallas on April 25, 2009, which was locally presented by GEICO.  Rebecca Miller, from The 33 News, showed her support by emceeing the event. 

 There was food, fun and entertainment for people of all ages; Kids were able to enjoy face painters, balloon artists, games and cotton candy while the Teen Scene hosted a lyric contest, Wii competitions, and dancing.  Victims and their families were able to offer support for each other in the Victims Survivors area and many teams wore shirts in honor of a loved one who has been injured or killed by drunk driving.  Even dogs were able to enjoy the day at the Pooch Parlor.  The Health and Safety Fair provided participants with useful information and fun, such as free massages, giveaways and interlock demonstrations. To pay tribute to drunk driving victims, 1,300 pairs of shoes were displayed to represent the number of lives lost in Texas due to drunk driving in 2007. Texas leads the nation in drunk driving fatalities and almost 25% of those deaths occurred in North Texas.    

While participants remembered those lives lost, they also had a chance to celebrate their fundraising success, which will help MADD North Texas continue to support victims and educate the youth, all at no-cost.The drum line and cheerleading squad from South Oak Cliff High School kicked off the 5k walk with their cheers and beats that could be heard all around the neighborhood.  Walkers were able to enjoy a relaxing walk through the Uptown area, where many cars and people were able to see and hear the supporters of MADD!   Along the route, they were greeted with water, food and cheers from The Roy Williams Safety Net Foundation, Greenz and Hillcrest Bank.

Thanks to the hard work of all, MADD North Texas raised over $135,000 to help support our efforts to eliminate drunk driving.  Next year, we look forward to adding a second walk in Fort Worth, which will allow more people from all 31 counties we serve to participate in the walk itself.