Walk Like Madd

Jon Naser • January 4, 2022

2021 Fundraiser

My name is Jon Naser. Along with my mom Joann, sister Liz and friend Pam (all fellow GBU members), we participated in the Walk Like MADD event at North Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 19. Special thanks go to Pam’s husband John Ondash, GBU agent and our event photographer.

We were grateful to participate in a GBU Give Back Group. Our team raised $3,803 with many donations from GBU members, employees and friends (some of whom gave anonymously). GBU matched that amount and also sponsored the event at the $1,000 level; helping our total fundraising surpass $15,000! Our goal was$5,000. The walk had 55 participants and 11 teams.

Why We Walk

I lost my dad Jim to a drunk driver in November 2007. He was taking my sister Liz and her two friends to basketball practice when he was hit by a drunk driver and killed instantly. Liz had severe injuries which required emergency brain surgery and was in a medically induced coma for several days. She made a miraculous recovery. Her two friends also made full recoveries.

Pam and John’s son David was killed by a drunk driver in 2011. David was a loving father of three and Marine veteran. His loss led Pam to become involved with MADD. She is a dedicated volunteer and was co-chair of the Walk.

Drunk driving is a choice and a 100% preventable crime but 10,142 people were killed by drunk driving in the United States in 2019. That's a death every 50 minutes and 29 a day. MADD advocates for stronger drunk driving legislation and provides free victim services to anyone impacted by drunk driving.

To stay up to date on our events please check out facebook.com/MADDPenn. We have several events each year such as memorial events and Pirates game fundraisers in addition to our yearly walk. Stay tuned for a Penguins game fundraiser on Sunday, January 23, 2022.

Thank you everyone for your donations and support. I'd like to thank all of the Home Office staff (Matt, Julie, Mary, Anna, Rachel, Jennifer and Natasha) for their support and assistance. Thank you to all the donors and volunteers. We're very grateful your support. Thank you!

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