BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Mothers against drunk driving held their 5-k run and walk this morning at The Park at Riverwalk.
The event honors the lives of those lost in DUI-related accidents, highlighting the need for sober driving.
Supporters held signs with pictures of loved ones who have died in what organizers say could have been prevented.
Event organizers said many of the 700 participants have been affected by an impaired driver's decision.
Organizers say many of the seven-hundred participants have been affected by an impaired driver's decision.
The "Walk/Run Like MADD" event is a national fundraiser but it is the first time the outing has taken place in Bakersfield.
"Well right now as we all know, there's been a lot of things happening in the news lately about drunk drivers, so it think it's important that everyone come together in this community to support abstinence from alcohol," said supporter Sheila Fryer.
"Drunk driving affects everybody, whether you're driving or not.i mean ... it could affect my son on the way home today. so it's just very important that everybody knows about it," said Adam Monsibais, run participant.
"This has been a very emotional morning for me to see all the faces and the family that i know. i've been doing this for twelve years and it just warms my heart," said MADD organizer Carla Pearson
Organizers said their goal was to raise at least $25,000.
However, they shattered that goal...raising more than $45,000.