5K Walk for Life
Jennifer Bukosky, her unborn child Sophie, and her daughter Courtney Bella were killed on April 25, 2008 in an auto crash in Oconomowoc. Mark Benson, the driver of the SUV that killed Jenn and her daughters and injured her son, Zach Bella, and family friend, Debbie Gibbs, is in jail awaiting trial. Benson has a long history of repeat OWl offenses, as well as a long history of drug and alcohol abuse. He was driving while under the influence of prescription drugs at the time of the crash.
On Saturday, September 20,2008 a 5K memorial walk/run was organized by Kevin Ellis, owner of Parker's Place Fitness in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Ellis organized the event to raise awareness about impaired driving and to encourage personal responsibility. Ellis states that the "Walk for Life" will be an annual event, with tentative plans to hold the next walk/run in April, 2009.
Monies raised at this event went to the Jennifer Bukosky Educational Foundation and the Courtney Bella Foundation. Jennifer's Foundation provides funds to schools to educate students about the dangers of driving while intoxicated. Courtney's Foundation is set up to provide a scholarship to students who wish to pursue a career in the arts.
It is estimated that more than 500 walkers/runners participated in the "Walk for Life." In addition to the runners, the event was heavily attended by several Harley Motorcycle clubs who were honoring one of their own riders, Michael Fleming. Fleming was killed by a drunk driver during the Harley 105th Anniversary Celebration in Milwaukee over Labor Day weekend. The Harley groups donated over $1200 to Jennifer's and Courtney's funds.
Links to news articles about the event:
Run/Walk to Honor Victims of Drunk/High Drivers
Dozens Gather To Raise Awareness About Driving While Impaired
Run/Walk to Raise Awareness of Impared Driving
Ford Feature Will Let Parents Set Limits For Teens
A news report on the Bukosky case:
