Back to Home Media Blog MADD Kern County Raises $55,000+ in 9th Annual ‘Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash’, Presented by Chain | Cohn | Clark

MADD Kern County Raises $55,000+ in 9th Annual ‘Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash’, Presented by Chain | Cohn | Clark

September 28, 2022 | Article by Chain | Cohn | Clark staff | Community Service , At the Firm

MADD Kern County Raises $55,000+ in 9th Annual ‘Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash’, Presented by Chain | Cohn | Clark

Hundreds of DUI crash victims, family members and friends, law enforcement officers and first responders, community leaders, and supporters came together Sept. 24 at the Park at River Walk to march, run, and call for an end to impaired driving crashes in Kern County.

This year’s Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash – presented by Chain | Cohn | Clark law firm – raised over $55,000 for local educational programs and prevention services, and to support local crash victims. Since the first Bakersfield Walk Like MADD in 2014, community members have helped raise more than $500,000 for MADD Kern County programs and services.

“This is a county-wide problem that requires our entire community to come together, and we’re thankful that they did,” said Carla Pearson, victim services specialist with MADD Kern County. “We won’t stop speaking out about this 100% preventable crime until we see zero crashes caused by impaired drivers on our roadways.”

Bakersfield is ranked as one of the worst places to drive in the United States and impaired driving is a big reason. Kern County ranks worst in the state for DUI crashes resulting in injuries. Bakersfield ranks worst in the nation for DUI arrests. Our community has seen at least 4,000 DUI arrests made each year, according to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office – more than 11 DUI arrests per day.

Walk Like MADD featured an opening ceremony with statements from representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, victims of DUI crashes, Mayor Karen Goh, and leaders from CHP and California Office of Traffic Safety. It was followed by a kid’s fun run presented by Centric Health, a timed 5K run, and a march by victims, their families and supporters from our community.

Medals and trophies were awarded to the fastest runners in their respective age categories, and as well to top fundraisers. They were:

  • Top Friends and Family Team: Rae Rae (In Memory of Raeleen & Raegan)
  • Top Individual Fundraiser: Amber Morales (Madysyn & Kaleb’s Keepers)
  • Law Enforcement Challenge Trophy: Kern County District Attorney’s Office
  • Corporate Challenge: Valley Strong Credit Union

The MADD Dash featured a timed, competitive run. Here are the top finishers for the Dash:

Presented by local law firm Chain | Cohn | Clark, the Walk and Dash was also supported this year by Chevron, Valley Strong Credit Union, Kern County Prosecutors Association, Sikh Riders of America, and others.

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, contact the car accident attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.

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