Sponsors Needed for Ava Zimmerman's Walk

Organizers of Ava Walk: Advocating for Vehicle Awareness are seeking sponsors.

The family of Ava Marie Zimmerman, the 5-year-old child that was killed by a car last year in downtown Greendale, is organizing a walk to increase pedestrian safety awareness to motorists.

Ava was killed when she was crossing the street with her mother, little brother, aunt and twin cousins in the middle of the crosswalk in broad daylight in downtown Greendale.

The walk is designed to raise people's awareness about the importance of pedestrian safety. It will be held April 17 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. starting in front of . Organizers are expecting about 300 participants.

Proceeds from sponsors will be used for T-shirts, event activities, food, beverages, educational materials, signs, and walk route gear.

In a letter to potential sponsors, organizers said that last year 54 pedestrians were killed in Wisconsin.

"No one should fear walking in a crosswalk to go to the park, visit a local store or go to school," said Christy Cool, Ava's aunt, in the letter. "Pedestrians should have a feeling of safety, knowing that drivers will watch out for them."

Any person or organization interested in making a contribution can make checks payable to The Ava Zimmerman Memorial Fund and send it to Christy Cool, 4934 W. Forest Hill Ave., Franklin, WI. 53132.