5K 'Strides for Change' Walk to Support Community Safety as MADD Celebrates 25 Years of Saving Lives and Preventing Injuries
Nissan Teams With MADD as National Sponsor and Encourages Public Support
LAREDO, Texas, Aug. 26 -- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will launch its signature 5K Strides for Change walk at Lake Casa Blanca State Park on Saturday, August 27, 2005, at 8:40 a.m. to rally financial and community support for the prevention of drunk driving and underage drinking and to benefit victims of this violent crime.
In concert with its 25th anniversary of lifesaving work, MADD has teamed up with National Presenting Sponsor Nissan North America, Inc. to promote safe driving and raise funds for education programs to make communities safer throughout the country. The program began in Dallas and travels to a total of 14 markets nationwide.
"We need community support in order to make our roadways safer for everyone and to provide youth the tools they need to protect themselves," said Karen Housewright, executive director of MADD Laredo South Texas Chapter. "Drunk driving impacts everyone in our community."
Strides for Change is a 5K, non-competitive walk that enables corporations and individuals to team up with MADD in keeping our children and communities safe. Participants form teams of 10 or more and are asked to raise $100 each through pledges. Walkers can enjoy a number of other activities during the event, such as a Health and Safety Fair, Kid's Zone with activities for children and a pet area especially for their four-legged friends.
"Drunk driving is the nation's most frequently committed violent crime. Underage drinking is the No. 1 youth drug problem, and MADD served more than 30,000 victims and survivors in 2004. It is time for everyone to realize that we need the support of the entire community to solve this problem and to save lives," said Glynn Birch, MADD National Board President.
Walkers and their pledge supporters are key in securing the funds necessary to benefit MADD's lifesaving mission. For example, a $25 donation to the organization enables MADD to connect with 20 safe drivers who pledge to "Tie One On For Safety" during the holidays and provide each with a red ribbon and safe driving tips.
"By bringing MADD's mission to stop drunk driving and Nissan's commitment to child safety, the Strides for Change walks will raise public awareness and funds to support the prevention of traffic fatalities," said Robert Yakushi, Nissan North America, Inc., director of product safety, regulatory and accessory quality. "Nissan is proud to be a part of these events and is not only a sponsor, but our employees have formed teams to raise money for MADD as well."
Local residents can register for the walk as an individual, or form a team with their family, friends or company. Registration materials are available from the MADD Laredo South Texas Chapter or online at http://www.stridesforchange.org/ .
Strides for Change is presented nationally by Nissan North America, Inc. The local presenting sponsor is the City of Laredo.
Other 2005 MADD Strides for Change events will take place in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Boston, Detroit, Atlanta, Columbus, Lansing, Cincinnati, Albuquerque, Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento through October 2005. Anyone can sign up to walk at one of these local events, become a virtual walker from anywhere, 24 hours a day, or make a charitable donation to help support Strides for Change by visiting http://www.stridesforchange.org/ .
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
MADD is the premiere organization working to fight drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD is a 501(c) 3 charity with 600 chapters and 2 million members nationwide. Nearly 300,000 lives have been saved since MADD's founding in 1980. For more information, visit http://www.madd.org/ .
About Nissan North America, Inc.
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at http://www.nissanusa.com/ and http://www.infiniti.com/ .
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