Event Ranks Fourth in Nation After Reaching All-Time Fundraising High
Thanks to the support and effort of John Simmons and Simmons Hanly Conroy employees, this year’s Metro East Diabetes fundraiser, STEP OUT: Walk to Stop Diabetes, raised over $67,000, a record amount for the event. The result has placed it among the most successful American Diabetes Association (ADA) walks in the nation.
Rawnie Berry, Manager of the ADA Gateway Office, recently presented John Simmons and the Firm with plaques to recognize their contributions to the walk.
“With the support of John Simmons and his firm, this year’s Metro East ‘Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes’ was able to raise $67,300 for the American Diabetes Association. Never before in the history of the event has this much been raised,” Berry said.
The event achieved a fundraising goal of 139 percent, ranking it fourth highest in the nation among ADA events that surpassed their fundraising goals. All of the funds raised stay in the Metro area and help the Association fulfill its mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes, she said.
Berry attributed nearly half of the amount raised due to Simmons’ role as the 2011 Corporate Recruitment Chair. Through his leadership, over $31,000 was raised by firm employees, team donations and corporate sponsors.
“It’s truly humbling to see how folks can rally together for a great cause,” Simmons said. “Thanks to everyone, including some of our employees at the firm who live with diabetes, for all of your hard work.”
Today, there are nearly 26 million Americans—including 22,150 in Madison County alone—who have diabetes. While an estimated 18.8 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 7 million people are unaware that they have the disease. If current trends continue, one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes.
Founded in 1940, the Association’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org.
