Preparations are under way for the 6th annual Walk Like MADD and MADD Dash in The Woodlands, to be held on Saturday, October 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Northshore Park. This is the signature fundraising event for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Walk Like MADD is a 5K walk and MADD Dash is a family-friendly 5K run to raise awareness and funds to eliminate drunk driving and keep families and communities safe.
Several local companies are supporting MADD as sponsors. Heather Smith, Special Events Manager for MADD Southeast Texas Affiliate, said, “We have several wonderful businesses that came on board to sponsor the event.” Those include Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands, Material Express, Inc., Nexus Health Systems and Two Men and a Truck Movers. “There’s still room for more sponsors,” Smith said, “you can join us in the fight against drunk driving and play a key role in keeping our roads safe.”
Sponsorships not only help MADD fulfill its mission to stop drunk and drugged driving, support victims and prevent underage drinking, they also provide unparalleled exposure for the companies that give their support. Smith said, “By becoming a sponsor for Walk Like MADD, the message to your employees, customers and the community is that you, as a company or business owner, are committed to keeping families safe. It’s a great way to get involved and make a difference.”
There are a number of ways a company can support Walk Like MADD. “We have a variety of sponsorship levels,” Smith said, “with benefits including recognition from law enforcement at the event, having your logo on the signage and t-shirts as well as media exposure.” There’s even an opportunity for the Presenting Sponsor to speak on stage at the event.
“Your company’s involvement is key to eliminating drunk driving,” Smith said. Other ways that companies can get involved are to form a corporate team, volunteer at the event or give donations of needed supplies. “Employees, vendors and customers can come together to create a walking team in your company’s name,” Smith said. “There are also companies that provide in-kind donations of food, water, or supplies needed for the event.”
“Helping to sponsor Walk Like MADD provides valuable exposure for your company in The Woodlands,” Smith said, “with high community visibility, not to mention reaching a large audience of MADD supporters and volunteers through our website, social media, newsletters and other printed material.” The fundraising goal for Walk Like MADD 2016 is $60,000. Smith said, “The more people who get involved, the more people we might protect from the tragic consequences of drunk driving.”
Funds raised are used locally to assist victims of drunk driving crashes with emotional support as well as medical and legal struggles, to conduct programs that increase awareness and prevent drunk driving and underage drinking, and to support law enforcement in their work to keep roads safe.
To become an event sponsor or to register for Walk Like MADD and MADD Dash 2016, visit www.walklikemadd.org/thewoodlands.