Diabetes fundraiser attracts 27,500-plus

SCOTTSDALE -Scottsdale-based GoDaddy.com's fundraising walk for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation broke records for participation and brought in more than $2 million Saturday.

More than 27,500 walkers showed up to raise money for research into type 1 diabetes.

Walkers in the annual 5K Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Desert Southwest Chapter "Walk to Cure Diabetes" brought in an estimated $2.1 million.

The walk was led by Derrick Hall, president of the Diamondbacks.

Fundraising efforts included 188 family teams bringing in $750,000, sponsoring GoDaddy.com's team of 700 contributed $135,000, Sonora Quest Laboratories brought in $142,000 and Walgreens raised $80,000. Other supporters included Albertsons, Discover Financial Services and Gila River Indian Communities.

"I'm amazed at the kids living with diabetes and how courageous they are to not let this disease stand in their way," Hall said. "The excitement and energy the community has for the JDRF walk sends a positive message that we care for them and for finding a cure for diabetes."

Held at Tempe Town Lake, the daylong activity is billed as the largest family-friendly walk in Arizona. This year's walk included a kid's interactive area with face painting, dance groups and local high-school bands; a main stage featuring Suns' Dancin' Dads; and local mascots such as Baxter from the Diamondbacks and Howler from the Coyotes.

"Each year the JDRF Walk provides hope and inspiration to our families," explained Becky Jackson, executive director of the Desert Southwest Chapter of JDRF. " . . . We are working together to provide children and others with a world free of diabetes."

Bryce Jensen does marketing and public relations for the local chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Send your News By You items to news@scottsdalerepublic.com.