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The Oct. 26 walk was the first-ever Walk Like MADD event hosted in the town since MADD closed its office in Stratford due to the recession, Walk Manager Jennifer Owen told the Daily Voice. According to Owen, the event raised more than $51,000, passing the fundraising goal of $50,000.
“Businesses and the town of Fairfield were large contributors to that walk goal,” Owen said Monday. She said the goal was relatively high for the MADD fundraiser, however, cooperation among all facets of the community - police and town officials, businesses and private citizens - helped raise the money. It will go toward the nonprofit’s mission “to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.”
Owen said the death of Fairfield University student Deandre Lawton in the early morning hours on the day of commencement two years ago helped bring MADD and the town of Fairfield together to further the cause.
“Yes, [Lawton’s death] was definitely brought to the attention of the executive director,” Owen said. “That coupled with other incidents in the area.”
Walk Like MADD is just one of four walks that Owen helps to organize each year. The fundraiser will return next year to Fairfield, according to Owen, and will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015.
“Planning for these walks is a year-round process,” Owen said. “We are always looking for new volunteers and new corporate sponsors.”
Tetreau, who received the plaque on Monday, said in a release, “Our town is proud to have been the host community for this important Walk. We are very honored to receive this award and encourage the Fairfield community to continue to work together to make positive strides against drunk driving and help save lives. We thank MADD for all of their dedicated ongoing efforts and we also thank our Fairfield Police Department for their strong partnership in this successful walk.”
Interested volunteers can join the cause by calling Owen at 203-764-2566, or emailing her at jennifer.owen@madd.org. The first committee meeting for next year’s fundraiser will be held on Jan. 26 at Fairfield Police Headquarters at 100 Reef Road.
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