WALK to Cure Diabetes is the fastest growing fund raising event in the history of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Last year, over $69 million was raised through Walk to Cure Diabetes to fund diabetes research. This year, Walk to Cure Diabetes is expected to surpass $78 million.
In 200-2001, over 300,000 people "walked to cure diabetes" at one of 180 sites in the United States and dozens more in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and Latin America. This year, 350,000 men, women, and children - including those from 7,000 large corporations and local companies - will participate. Funds are raised as walkers ask friends, relatives and co-workers to sponsor them for participating in the Walkathon.
Walk to Cure Diabetes raises fund through four distinct areas:
Corporate Walk Teams: Companies across the country are recruiting employees, friends and family members to raise money and Walk as part of the Corporate Team.
Family Teams: Families affected by diabetes are forming teams of friends and families and are raising money by conducting a letter writing campaign.
Sponsorship: From Presenting Sponsor to kilometer sponsors direct contributions from companies provide the foundation for the event.
Sneaker Sales: Retail outlets sell JDRF paper sneakers to their customers for $1 a piece.
Walk to Cure Diabetes has attracted the national support from companies such as UBS PaineWebber Incorporated, Marshalls, Walgreens, Advance Auto Parts, Ford Motor Company, Discover and Quest Diagnostics.
