The smell of salt water and the sounds of the beach were in the air on May 10 at the Orange County, California Walk Like MADD 5K walk where over $113,000 was raised to support MADD and its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving.

More than 500 people came out to Huntington Beach, “Surf City USA” to enjoy a walk along the beach and support MADD. The day’s festivities kicked off with a pre-walk ceremony featuring remarks from California Assemblyman, Todd Spitzer, Orange Mayor, Carolyn Cavecche and Huntington Beach Councilman Gil Coerper. In addition to speaking, Cavecche presented a $1,000 check to MADD.

Demonstrations of an alcohol ignition interlock took place before and after the walk as well as tours of police SWAT vehicles and a demonstration by the Huntington Beach Fire Department of a Jaws of Life rescue.

MADD is actively supporting legislation currently being considered in the California State Assembly, AB 2784 sponsored by Assembly Member Mike Feuer, that would require all convicted drunk drivers, including those convicted for the first time, to install an alcohol ignition interlock on their vehicle.

Mark your calendar for the 2009 Orange County Walk Like MADD on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Huntington City Beach.

On Saturday, April 26, MADD executives and an estimated 1,500 supporters will be on hand for Walk Like MADD held at the Phoenix Zoo, which is showing its support by providing free zoo admission to all walk participants.

Phoenix retailer, Twist Boutique, is also supporting the event and raising awareness by dressing window mannequins in Walk Like MADD t-shirts.  Twist Boutique will also donate 10% of purchases by customers who present a special Walk Like MADD e-mail at the time of purchase.

Visit the Phoenix Walk Like MADD site for more details and to sign up or donate.

MADD recently asked resident of Raleigh, NC about their thoughts on drunk driving, and we’ve have just posted a video on YouTube with some of their comments.  By the way, Raleigh’s Walk Like MADD fundraising walk takes place on Saturday, March 29, so if you live in that area and want to get involved, you can sign up here.