The first annual Oklahoma State Walk Like MADD event will be held Saturday, Sept. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Altus City Reservoir.

“Walk Like MADD”, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers’ signature walk, is a 5K fun run/ walk, community-driven that raises funds and saves lives.

Registration xost is $20 for Adults; $15 for youth ages 5-21; and $10 for dogs. Registration includes a T-shirt* for humans and a bandana for dogs. Dogs registering with a walker will need to bring up-to-date shot records.

*For those who register after Sept. 7, T-shirts are not guaranteed for the day of the event. If you do not receive your T-shirt at the walk, it will be mailed to you within 3-4 weeks.

A tribute to Loved Ones Lost will be held during the walk. For more information, or to add your loved one to the tribute, please contact Melissa Cornelius.

Melissa Cornelius, with Southwest Oklahoma MADD Chapter, stated the organization began with a mother who lost her child in a drunk driving crash. She turned grief into positive change. Her work and the work of so many other mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers started a movement that has saved 300,000 lives…and counting.

But even today, one in three people will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime. Our children share the road with an estimated 2 million drivers who have had three or more prior drunk driving offenses.

“Together, we can take three important steps to finish the work of one grieving mother and protect our families from the danger of drunk driving,” said Cornelius. “We’re very grateful for the partnership and support of Altus Fire Department, Oklahoma Blood Institute, Bar S, Glasses Creek Ranch, The Busy Bee Quilting, JBs Moon Jumps, and many more, in helping MADD with its mission to prevent underage drinking in Oklahoma.”

Altus Fire Department will be joining them for their Child Passenger Safety Week. They will have Bike Safety, Fire Safety, Games and lots of other fun things for the kids. Also in honor of National Seat Check Saturday (Sept. 22) they are working with several donors on getting new car seats to hand out to people in need of a child seats. Oklahoma Blood Institute will be there having a blood drive, and they will have food and music for everyone, so make plans to join them for a day full of events for everyone in the family.

For more information on sponsorship, volunteer, or participant opportunities, please contact Melissa Cornelius at (505) 480-3566 or email mcornelius.madd08@yahoo.com.