Are You Registered for the 2011 Walk?

Thank you for your support of the JDRF Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes!  As we announced last month, JDRF has launched an upgraded registration and fundraising website.  The new system offers participants additional features such as the ability to set up a team web page and link your personal fundraising page to social networking sites.  It will also enable walkers to track Walk donations and download donor reports.  Because the system is new, it contains no information from previous years; therefore, all participants will have to register as if they have never registered for another JDRF event before. 

Register your team today!

As a Team Captain, you must first create your 2011 team. The first person to register with the team will automatically be registered as the Team Captain, so make sure that person is you! Other walkers are unable to join until the team is registered. If you find that your team already exists and someone else has accidentally been registered as Team Captain, please register as a walker and then contact your local Walk Manager to become the Team Captain.
We have created a document which will help guide you through the registration process.  If you have any questions, please e-mail or call your Walk Manager so we can help walk you through the process or answer any questions.

We hope that the fun you had with us and the inspiration you felt while making a difference in the lives of people with type 1 diabetes will inspire you to join us again on Sunday, October 2nd!

Can't be there on Walk Day?  JDRF's new registration page now offers registration for "Virtual Walkers" who are not able to attend the Walk, but still want to raise money for a cure!  Virtual Walkers qualify for incentive prizes, team awards, etc.

Register today!

Thank you again for all you do to support JDRF! 

For another exciting way to support JDRF and pay tribute to Ron, please click here to learn more about our 2011 Best of Illinois "Bringing Home A Cure" event on Thursday, May 19th at Wrigley Field!

RON SANTO WALK SPOTLIGHT: SEKO Worldwide, LLC

SEKO Worldwide, LLC, an innovative, flexible provider of first-class transportation services, will once again be partnering with JDRF as a 2011 Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes corporate sponsor. 

SEKO has been supporting the Walk since 2007, and since that time, they have raised over $40,000 through their fundraising efforts!  In addition to their sponsorship, the SEKO Walk team holds JDRF "FUNdraisers" that keep the momentum going all year round!  And they really do put the FUN into fundraising with their fun events, exciting raffles, auctions and various sports-themed pools! 
 

Members of the SEKO team at their 2011 Kick-Off

They officially began their 2011 efforts on April 7th when they held their internal kick-off, which they themed "Opening Day" to coincide with the start of baseball season.  They sold hot dogs, kicked off their season-long baseball pool, and held a raffle for various baseball themed items, including Cubs tickets.  They are also theming their 2011 Walk fundraising efforts to be "In Honor of Ron Santo".  

We asked Holly La Vine, Director, Human Resources, why they chose to support JDRF and this is what she shared:  "SEKO chose to support the JDRF in 2007 primarily because we wanted to give back to the community.  After hearing Erin Miller's JDRF presentation, we appreciated that the fundraising focus of the Illinois Chapter is on the annual Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes and that there isn’t any pressure imposed to raise a minimum dollar amount.  Through our FUNdraisers, we have found that our efforts continually promote two of our five Core Values – Teamwork and Fun as well as it is heartwarming to be a part of the energy on Walk Day.  Our partnership has remained strong through a shared enthusiasm in all endeavors as well as a commitment to meet a goal!"

The SEKO team is on their way to another very successful FUNdraising year!  We look forward to partnering with them again and are so grateful for their continued support of JDRF! Thank you to the entire SEKO Worldwide, LLC team!

To learn more about SEKO Worldwide, LLC, please visit their website at www.sekologistics.com.

Volunteer Spotlight: The Guzan Family

Don, Gale, Jake and CJ Guzan have been volunteering for the Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes since 1999.  Many Lakefront Walkers will recognize them from their numerous years managing the T-shirt Tent.  The Guzan family does not have a direct family connection to type 1 diabetes.  Their dedication mainly comes from their desire to serve their community as well as support friends who have diabetes.


In 1999, Gale and Jake walked and raised donations for the Aon Corporation team while Don and CJ, six years old at the time, volunteered for the first time and were placed at the T-shirt tent.  Since that time, Don and his family have made the t-shirt tent their own:  bringing their own signs, using their perfected t-shirt sizing techniques, and making t-shirt distribution fun and efficient.


Don said the best part of managing the t-shirt tent is “Getting people to laugh.  Making new friends.”  It is not often that organizations see volunteers as dedicated as the Guzan family.  When asked why they continue to volunteer year after year Don responded, “Because it’s the right thing to do.  We are very proud of the fact that our two boys volunteer all the time because of the JDRF Walk.”  As for the 2011 Walk?  “We will be back.”


Thank you to the Guzan family for their commitment, dedication, and hard work year after year.  The Lakefront T-shirt Tent would not be the same without you.

JDRF is grateful for all of our dedicated volunteers.  For more information on how you can volunteer with JDRF, please click here.

Party City Sneaker Sales Campaign

Party City, America's largest specialty party goods chain, has teamed up with JDRF for a sneaker sales campaign that goes until May 14, 2011. 

The campaign kicked-off on April 3rd and since that time almost $30,000 has been raised in their Illinois locations alone! 

JDRF sneakers are selling fast at Party City!

There is still a few weeks to go, so please help us spread the word about this campaign and purchase a sneaker on your next trip to Party City. To find a location near you, please click here. Thank you, Party City!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - APRIL & MAY

Check out these exciting events coming up to benefit JDRF!

Egg Shell Shuffle - Saturday, April 23, 2011

Friends of Samantha's Steppers Walk team will be hosting a Half Marathon, 5k Run/Walk, and an egg hunt at Busse Woods Forest Preserve.
6:45-8:00am: Race Day Registration ($55 1/2 marathon, $35 5k, $5 egg hunt) and packet pick-up.
8:30am: 1/2 marathon start
8:45am: 5k run/walk start
11:30/11:45am:  Awards (approximate time)
12:00 EGG HUNT BEGINS!

**reduced registration rates if you register before April 23rd**

To register today and learn more about the Egg Shell Shuffle please visit: www.eggshellshuffle.com.

* * *

Freedom from Insulin 2011! - Friday, May 6th
Join the Kouba Family Team at Real Time Sports Bar in St. Charles, IL on May 6th.  Enjoy live music, 50/50 raffle and much more from 6 p.m. - 1 a.m.!

For more information, please contact Gary at: TurbomanG@aol.com.

* * * 

Team Nick J, led by 13-year old Summer Evans, is up and running for the 2011 Walk!  Summer created Team Nick J at the Southwest Walk in honor of Nick Jonas. In 2008, at the age of 8, she raised $100.  She grew her total to over $1,200 in 2010 and her goal for 2011 is $5,000!  Summer runs a variety of creative fundraisers from selling JDRF bears, to conducting tag days at the local Jewel or Walmart,(she already raised $130 in one day so far this year), to offering discounted Great America Tickets with a portion of the proceeds going to JDRF. Summer always comes up with unique ways to fundraise.

You can support team Nick J., by purchasing great America Tickets which will be good for May7th and May14th. The price of the ticket is $25.00 and $6.00 will go to JDRF.  To order tickets, please e-mail Summer at jdrfdonations@comcast.net or call 815-603-1169.

Summer will also be hosting a “Wendy’s Night Out” on May 24th from 5pm to 8pm at the Wendy’s located at 2900 Plainfield Road in Joliet.  A portion of all of the evenings proceeds will go to JDRF! Please stop by and visit Summer and support JDRF!   


To keep up with all the Team Nick J fundraisers, please visit: http://teamnickj.yolasite.com/.

Good luck Team Nick J and thank you for all your fundraising efforts!

* * *

Special thanks to the below teams for recently hosting an event or kicking-off their 2011 JDRF fundraising efforts:

 

In March, corporate team Pella Windows and Doors Replacement Division, held a March Madness bracket challenge.  Participating employees donated $5 to JDRF to submit a bracket to enter the challenge.  The winner won a gift card and all donations collected went to JDRF.  To make things easy, they used an online pool administrator to do the leg work of calculating brackets and winners.  What a fun way to raise funds!

* * *

Hyatt Hotels Corporation just had their 2011 Walk planning meeting and set their team goal for an ambitious but attainable $50,000!  Last year Hyatt raised over $47,000 which surpassed their $40,000 team goal.  They hope to get more people involved this year by having at least one team captain per department.  Way to go Hyatt!

Do you have an event coming up to benefit your Walk team?  Please let us know about it! Send your event details to your local Walk Manager.

JDRF Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes

Spring is the perfect time to organize a Kids Walk!  For more information on the JDRF Kids Walk program, please visit jdrfkidswalk.donordrive.com.  To set-up your own Kids Walk, please contact your local Walk Manager.


Read on to see what other Schools are doing...


Getting students excited about raising money for JDRF is just what Rockdale School did on March 25^th!  They held a week-long diabetes awareness week for all their students’ K-8^th grade.  Rounding out the week on Friday with a diabetes guest speaker and a school talent show helped the students raise over $600 to support JDRF.  Way to show your support, Rockdale School students!


Kingston Elementary School in Kingston, IL hosted a Kid’s Walk on April 12th and raised $3,000!  Thank you for your support, Kingston Elementary! Way to go!

Chatsworth Elementary Students, in Chatsworth, IL, a new school walk team, will be spending their spring break collecting proceeds for their JDRF Kids Walk, which they will conduct when they return from break.  You can support Chatsworth and their efforts to fundraise by making a donation to their school fundraising page.  Best wishes to Chatsworth Elementary and thank you for participating in the JDRF Kids Walk program!

St. Philip the Apostle School in Addison, IL will be holding a Kids Walk on May 26th. Good Luck!

Thank you to all of these Schools!  Follow their lead and set-up your own Kids Walk today!  Contact your local Walk Manager to learn more.

2011 Walk Fundraising Ideas

Start your Walk fundraising early this year! Take a look at our Summer FUNdraising flyer (below) for some great ways to keep the kids entertained this summer, while raising money for your Walk team. Have questions? Please contact your Walk Manager.



Click to enlarge and download.



JDRF Illinois Advocacy Needs Your Voice in the 17th Congressional District of Illinois!

JDRF sponsors a New Member Outreach Initiative (NMOI) for newly elected members of Congress intended to introduce new members to JDRF and its mission.

A meeting has been scheduled with Representative Schilling (17th Congressional District) on Thursday, April 21, 2011. The meeting will take place at Rep. Schilling's Moline office (3000 41st St., Suite 2) at 3:30 pm.

This is a great opportunity for Rep. Schilling to hear from his constituents! Please email Brian Annulis at bdannulis@sbcglobal.net if you are able to attend the April 21st meeting (please include the names of attendees).

If you are not already an advocate, please be sure to sign up today!

Design Your Own JDRF Race Car Contest

JDRF and Ford Customer Service Division once again will join forces to help raise funds and awareness for type 1 diabetes. This is the fourth year of the contest and once again FCSD will partner with its NASCAR team, Wood Brothers Racing, for the JDRF Design Your Own Race Car Contest. To date, the contest has raised over $200,000!

The winning child of the 2011 JDRF Race Car Contest and his/her parents will participate in the vehicle unveiling ceremony at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, MI on Thursday, August 18, 2011. In addition, the winning child and his/her parents will have the opportunity to attend the NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, August 21, 2011.

Designs must be submitted by children with type 1 diabetes, ages 5-18.  Only one design may be submitted per child. Designs must be hand-drawn. All design submissions should be sent to the JDRF Illinois Chapter and are due by April 11, 2011.

For additional information, official rules and entry form, please visit www.jdrf.org/ford. 

JDRF Loses Two Champions

On March 16th JDRF lost a dear friend and champion, Jim Tyree.  Many volunteers, donors, and staff members had the pleasure of working side-by-side with Jim toward our shared goal to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. There are no words to describe the loss that the Tyree family, the JDRF family, the Mesirow Financial family, and the entire city of Chicago have suffered. Jim’s work on behalf of JDRF – and all families living with diabetes – made an incredible difference and he will be remembered for his passion and dedication to our mission.

We are also still mourning the loss of another incredible leader, friend, and advocate.  Ron Santo enthusiastically led the Walk for 32 years – giving the Walk a strong and emphatic voice.  He helped generate more than $60 million since the Walk's first steps and made it a spirited and successful annual tradition.  He put his heart and soul into the Walk and we’re asking everyone to do the same this October 2.  Let’s make this year’s Walk the best yet – in honor of our favorite #10.

Registration for the 2011 Walk is Now Open!

SAVE THE DATE:
OCTOBER 2, 2011

JDRF is now working with a new Walk registration and database system.  The new system offers participants additional features such as the ability to set up a team web page and link your personal fundraising page to social networking sites.  It will also enable walkers to track Walk donations and download donor reports.  Because the system is new, it contains no information from previous years; therefore, all participants will have to register as if they have never registered for another JDRF event before.

We have created a document which will help guide you through the registration process.  If you have any questions, please e-mail or call your Walk Manager so we can help walk you through the process or answer any questions.


We will also host a Registration Conference Call for family teams and individual walkers on March 23rd at 12:00 p.m. to guide users through the system.  If you would like to participate in this call, please r.s.v.p. by March 22nd to Erin Miller, emiller@jdrf.org.  Once your r.s.v.p. is received, you will be sent the call-in information.  Information on a corporate team conference call coming soon.

We thank you in advance for your patience as we navigate the new system.  Your continued support and dedication to our mission is appreciated.

Register today at walk.jdrf.org! Thank you again for all you do to support JDRF!

Questions? Please contact your local Walk Manager today.

RON SANTO WALK SPOTLIGHT: BERKOT'S RYAN'S RESCUERS

Berkot's Ryan's Rescuers Team at the 2010 Palos Hills Walk.


The Kotara Family, owners of Berkot's Super Foods, a chain of twelve stores located south of New Lenox, IL and scattered in towns from New Lenox to Watseka, Illinois, is a significant contributor and dynamic supporter of JDRF.  The Kotara family involvement is spearheaded by Kristin and Luke Kotara, 2010 Corporate Chairs for the Southwest Walk in Palos Hills, on behalf of their son, Ryan, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2007.  Luke and Kristin, with the help of family, friends, employees and vendors, executed an incredible effort that has raised over $200,000 since they became involved in 2007!

Ryan Kotara at the 2010 Walk Awards Reception

In 2010, Berkot's organized a Golf Outing at Green Garden Country Club in West Manhattan, Illinois. This sold-out event raised over $35,000 thanks to the support from loyal vendors, family, friends, customers and local celebrities.  In addition, all twelve Berkot's Super Food stores pitched in and sold JDRF paper sneakers in September and October and raised an additional $14,000!  An additional $76,000 was raised through online donations and Walk day contributions when the Berkot's Ryan's Rescuers team came out with over 170 team members!

Kristin, Luke and the Berkot's supporters are ready for another successful fundraising year!  They will once again lead the way at the Palos Hills Walk Site as Corporate Chairs.  They also plan to expand their golf outing, increase their sneaker sales campaign and implement even more innovative discount programs within their stores, as well as host additional "fun"draisers to increase their total this year.  We look forward to partnering with them to meet their fundraising objectives! Thank you to the Berkot's Ryan's Rescuers team!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Check out these exciting events coming up to benefit JDRF!


Team WR4X is combining two of their favorite things – shopping and JDRF!  Come for an evening of shopping and fun on Sunday, March 20th! Tickets are $20.00 and include appetizers and soft drinks, 1 raffle ticket and entry to the event.  A portion of the ticket price will benefit JDRF.

Events for the evening include a silent auction, 50/50 raffles to benefit JDRF as well as door prizes, plus all the shopping you can handle!

For additional information or to purchase tickets, please contact Kim Sutherland at (630) 995-3886.

* * *

 

Egg Shell Shuffle - Saturday, April 23, 2011

Friends of Samantha's Steppers Walk team will be hosting a Half Marathon, 5k Run/Walk, and an egg hunt at Busse Woods Forest Preserve.
6:45-8:00am: Race Day Registration ($55 1/2 marathon, $35 5k, $5 egg hunt) and packet pick-up.
8:30am: 1/2 marathon start
8:45am: 5k run/walk start
11:30/11:45am:  Awards (approximate time)
12:00 EGG HUNT BEGINS!

**reduced registration rates if you register before April 23rd**

To register today and learn more about the Egg Shell Shuffle please visit: www.eggshellshuffle.com.

* * *

Freedom from Insulin 2011! - Friday, May 6th
Join the Kouba Family Team at Real Time Sports Bar in St. Charles, IL on May 6th.  Enjoy live music, 50/50 raffle and much more from 6 p.m. - 1 a.m.!

For more information, please contact Gary at: TurbomanG@aol.com.

* * * 

Special thanks to the below for recently hosting a successful JDRF fundraiser:

Thank you to Boston’s Gourmet Pizza in Tinley Park for their successful February fundraising event! During their JDRF campaign, Boston’s offered heart shaped pizzas, desserts and paper hearts with a portion of the proceeds benefitting JDRF.  They raised a total of $2,261!  Thank you to Boston’s and to the JDRF supporters that dined out to help raise additional funds for research!  Please continue to support Boston’s - a wonderful JDRF national sponsor.

* * *

Helping your best buddy comes naturally for 10-year-old Ryan Shanley, who put together a fundraiser in honor of his friend Frank McCarter of Frank’s Diabetes Stompers.  It was a mother/son ping pong tournament held at his house and by the looks of the picture – they had a great time!  There was a $25 entry fee to participate and donations were also collected.  This evening of fun raised over $500 for JDRF! 

Kids Corner

Home Elementary School in Stickney, IL is holding their first Kids Walk! The whole school will walk during their PE classes on Friday, March 18th. Home Elementary School’s representative, Lynette Martin, is hoping the weather will be beautiful and the kids can walk outside. Lakefront Walk Manager, Katy Akester, attended two school assemblies on February 24th to talk to the kids about diabetes, JDRF, and the Walk. Everyone was enthusiastic about raising donations for a cure…and for prizes! Good luck to Home Elementary School!


Kingston Elementary School in Kingston, IL is hosting a Kid’s Walk on April 5th. Thank you for your support, Kingston Elementary! Have a great walk!


Spring is the perfect time to organize a JDRF Kids Walk! For more information on the JDRF Kids Walk program, please visit jdrfkidswalk.donordrive.com. To set-up your own Kids Walk, please contact your local Walk Manager.

Every two years, JDRF International Chairman Mary Tyler Moore and over a hundred children with type 1 diabetes gather in Washington, D. C.  to meet face-to-face with some of the top decision-makers in the U.S. government.  The children, ages 4 to 17, represent all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As participants in JDRF's Children's Congress, they have a unique and empowering opportunity to help Members of Congress understand what life with type 1 diabetes is like and why research to find the cure for diabetes and its complications is so critical.

Congratulations to the 2011 Illinois Children's Congress delegates:  Kelsey Brown, Caitlin Reedy and Aubrey Woolford.Children's Congress will take place on June 20-22, 2011 in Washington, D.C.

Sneaker Sales Announcements

Party City, America's largest specialty party goods chain, will be teaming up with JDRF for a sneaker sales campaign from April 3 - May 14, 2011.  Please help us spread the word about this campaign and purchase a sneaker on your next trip to Party City. To find a location near you, please click here.  Thank you, Party City!

Shop at Gap, Inc. Stores and Support JDRF!

Who doesn't love a 30% off coupon that can be used at any Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Gap Outlet, and Banana Republic Factory Store?!?!

We are thrilled to announce that JDRF has been selected as one of the partners for the Gap, Inc. Spring 2011 Give and Get Campaign!

Use this 30% off coupon between March 17th - March 20th and 5% of your purchases will benefit JDRF.

Coupons are tracked by zip code and will be allocated to each chapter, so this is an excellent opportunity to support the Illinois Chapter!

Click here to get your coupon.  Please be sure to spread the word and share the coupon, so your friends and family can have fun supporting JDRF and our mission.

This is a great opportunity to update your Spring wardrobe and support our chapter!

Please note:  The coupon is only available March 17 - March 20 for in-store purchases and can be used multiple times.

IL Tax Check Off Program Allows You to Give to JDRF

If you receive a tax refund, please take a moment to consider sharing it with JDRF. By simply designating dollars to the Diabetes Research option (Option H), you’ll support JDRF’s mission and ensure Diabetes Research remains as an option on this important source of funding for the Illinois Chapter.

Last year we raised $50,000 through this program, which was just enough contributions to qualify to stay on the check list for this year. Help us ensure we don’t lose this important source of revenue!

Make giving to JDRF easy!

Click here to access the IL Attachment No. 24 form.

Thank you!

Boston's Cares - 2011 JDRF Campaign

Boston’s Pizza will once again be hosting it’s annual fundraising campaign to benefit JDRF.  The Boston’s Cares promotion will run from January 11th through February 14th. 

During that time, Boston’s locations will sell paper hearts for $1.00 with all proceeds going to JDRF.  Additionally, $1.00 from the sale of two menu items— Mini Dippers and Chocolate Amoré—will also be donated to JDRF.

From February 11th —14th, Boston’s will donate $1.00 for every heart-shaped pizza sold towards JDRF’s mission to fund diabetes research.

Gather your family, friends or co-workers and pay a visit to your local Boston’s Pizza! Enjoy these delicious menu items and support their fundraising efforts. 

Boston's is located at:

7216 West 191ST Street
Tinley Park, IL 60477
Ph: 815-464-9844

For hours & directions, click here. 

Thank you, Boston's!

2010 Walk Awards Receptions

We had two wonderful nights of celebration at the 2010 JDRF Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes Awards Receptions on January 13th and 26th. Special thank you to Nick Digilio of WGN Radio 720 for serving as the emcee in the Chicago area and to Rocky Vonachen of the Peoria Chiefs and Scott Robbins of 1470WMBD who took the stage in Peoria.

The celebrations were certainly bittersweet as we continue to mourn the loss of our champion, Ron Santo, but we know Ron would have wanted us to celebrate his Walk and everyone's collective efforts to find a cure.  While the Walk will no longer be quite the same without Ron, its part of a special legacy that he leaves behind – and one that we will continue in his honor.  To view a special photo montage of Ron, click here.

While our Walk efforts fell short of our $5 million goal, we are still projecting an incredible $4.5 million raised.  We continue to receive donations for the 2010 Walk and we will continue to accept them!  Please send in any additional donations you have and help our total rise! 

NOTE:  All contributions can be mailed to the JDRF Illinois Chapter office at 11 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60603-1344. Don't forget to include any matching gift forms your donations are eligible for!  Please be sure to include a note with your team name, walker name and Walk site or use an official collection envelope.


Some highlights of the Awards Receptions included honoring the top fundraising family & corporate team at each Walk site:


2010 Team Cup Winners:


Busse Woods
Corporate Team:  Allstate (Over $86,000 Raised!)

Family Team:  Samantha's Steppers (over $41,000 raised!)

Lakefront

Corporate Team: Ford Motor Company (over $132,000 raised!)

Family Team: Carson’s Thunder (over $23,000)


Libertyville

Corporate Team: Aldridge Electric (over $85,000)

Family Team: Family & Primetime Friends of Michelle (over $63,000)

Lisle

Corporate Team: Exelon Corporation (over $100,000)

Family Team: Jack's Team (nearly $20,000)

Palos Hills

Corporate Team: Berkot’s Ryan’s Rescuers (over $74,000 raised!)

Family Team: Hooten Hoppers (over $23,000 raised!)

Peoria

Corporate Team: Janssen's Justice for JDRF (nearly $6,000)

Family Team: Edna's Angels (nearly $34,000)

Other top awards went to our:


Diamond Award Winners (Team who raised $100,000+)  

• Ford Motor Company
• Exelon Corporation

Platinum Award Winners (Teams who raised $50,000-$99,999)

• The Warranty Group  
• Aldridge Electric, Inc. 
• Allscripts  
• Nalco Company  
• Berkot's Ryan's Rescuers 
• Team Allstate  
• Emkay Inc.  
• Harris Associates/Oakmark Funds  
• Walgreens

2010 T-Shirt Contest Winners!   


Busse Woods:  Meg’s Militia

Lakefront:  Marathoners Supporting JDRF

Libertyville:  Sari’s Journey for a Cure

Lisle: Hoof It for Heather

Palos Hills:  Kempczynski Cruisers

Peoria:  Blythe's Blessings

Corporate Team:  The Warranty Group

Below are some pictures from the night...

Congratulations to all of our award winners!