Everything Under The Sun: What MADD In Houston Did When The Weather Wouldn't Cooperate

Friday, June 17, 2016

What MADD In Houston Did When The Weather Wouldn't Cooperate

They still came, in smaller numbers, in the rain.

Sometimes the best of plans can change when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. That happened in the Houston area as a result of rainfall. The Houston area had its WALK LIKE MADD fundraising event scheduled for May 21, but soggy weather intervened. That's when organizers from the Southeast Texas team of MADD sprang into action. They hit the phones and social media to let participants know about the change in plans.

And that wasn't the end of it. They were in Houston for a reason - to commemorate loved ones and others who were victims of drunk drivers. They also wanted to let everyone know of their continued effort to end drunk driving.

So, the day's event turned into a rally, with 300 people showing up. Chris Jacobs from Overhaulin' showed up, along with Team #OverhaulinMADD. He even allowed fans to take a few selfies. He's the national spokesperson for Velocity Channel's Drive Smart, which advocates for safe driving practices on all US roads. Velocity Channel has also donated $5,000 to the Walk.

Members of Harris County's Sheriff Office, Harris County's District Attorney's Office, and other law enforcement agencies also showed up. These are individuals who serve the public and have first-hand awareness of the effects of drunk driving.

The usual practice before the walk is the chiming of bells and a crowd shout of, "Drunk driving ends here!" There is also a large pinwheel containing the names of those in the area who had lost their lives because of drunk driving. Then this smaller walk in the rain began.

Awards for the top teams were passed out, as everyone remembered those who lost their lives because of drunk drivers. The rain didn't stop this intrepid group and they managed to raise some donations, also.

But there is another walk coming (fingers crossed that the weather is better) on June 18 at San Jacinto College South Campus. The organizations involved want everyone to have the full walk experience. The bells will chime again to signal the start of the walk, the names of the victims who lost their lives will be said during the walk.

A Collin County team which exceeded its fundraising goal.

Yes, rain has still been prominent in the forecast. That's why it is being held on San Jacinto's campus - there are paved roadways and more security, so no walking in the mud. The group is determined, as are the participants - the rain won't win and it'll be bigger than the preview walk!