MADD fundraiser ranks top in the U.S.

Volunteers and donors to this year’s Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K raised more than $300,000. The 2017 event brings its total for the past seven years to more than $1.25 million.

“I want to thank and congratulate each and every one of you for making it possible for us to be the most successful MADD fundraiser in the country,” national board member Heather Geronemus said at the wrap party.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving walks take place in 60 U.S cities.

The Fort Lauderdale walk was established by Geronemus in 2011. Her father Dr. Robert Perry Geronemus was struck and killed by a drunken driver in 2009.

“I got to this moment not by choice, but by necessity because getting that call about losing a family member to drunk driving is something I have to stop,” Geronemus said.

The “Ultimate Software & Salah Foundation Present the La Croix, South Florida Ford & Florida Panthers Foundation Walk LikeMADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K Brought to You by ADT and Allegiance Crane” wrap party took place at Greenspoon Marder’s Fort Lauderdale law office on August 30.

Guests noshed on appetizers and mock-tails.

At the celebration, the winning fundraisers were honored. Ultimate Software was named the top corporate team with Tyrone Arucas as its top fundraiser .

The Grateful Survivors, a friends and family team, won the top spot for teams. Its top fundraisers are Penny & Keith Grumer.

Myles & Tyler Gazes were awarded top youth fundraisers.

The Florida Highway Patrol was the top law enforcement fundraiser. Major Robert Chandler took top place.

I don’t just see a community sending over $300,000 to MADD. I see 300,000 choices where we have taken a stand against drunk and impaired driving to say not on my watch, not this time,” Geronemus said.

This year, MADD honored Jim Robertson of Allegiance Crane as honorary chair. He has also agreed to return as the honorary chair for 2018.

MADD’s Broward and Palm Beach chapters facilitate dozens of free events each year to educate youth and parents on the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.

The eighth annual Fort Lauderdale event is scheduled for Sunday, April 29, 2018. The event will be chaired by Geronemus and Rachel Perz, general manager of Brio Tuscan Grille.