Happy New Year!

Thank you for a wonderful and successful 2010! We look forward to another great year of hope, progress, and making a difference in 2011.

Boston's - The Gourmet Pizza - Restaurant & Sports Bar

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 coworkers and pay a visit to your local Boston’s Pizza! Enjoy these delicious menu items and support their fundraising efforts.

Don’t miss out on any of the fun...stay tuned for news about special events happening at a Boston’s Pizza near you during the campaign!

Boston's - The Gourmet Pizza - Restaurant & Sports Bar
is located at:

7216 West 191st Street
Tinley Park, IL 60477
Phone: 815.464.9844

Thank you, Boston's!

To find a location near you, please visit http://www.bostons.com/locations/

Thank you, Glenview Blades!

Top Blades Fundraisers presenting the check to JDRF.

A special thank you to the Glenview Blades for selecting JDRF Illinois as the beneficiary of their annal Skate-A-Thon fundraiser.  They chose JDRF this year in support of their fellow teammate, Alyssa Manno.  Alyssa and her family team, Alyssa's Angels, have been walking for seven years and have raised over $10,000 through their team's fundraising efforts!

Each skater pledged to raise a minimum of $100 and 10% of the proceeds benefitted JDRF.  In addition, a continuous 2-mile stretch of skating during the Skate-A-Thon was dedicated to JDRF.  At the event on December 17th, JDRF Representative, Chuck Balling was presented with a check to JDRF for $1,500!

Chuck Balling, Glenview Park District Executive Director and longtime JDRF supporter & Libertyville Walk Site Committee Member, looks on as Alyssa Manno, 16, a member of  the Glenview Junior Blades Synchronized Skating Team, speaks on what it's like to live with Type I Diabetes before presenting a $1,500 check to JDRF.

Thank you to the entire Glenview Blades organization and the Manno family for your support of JDRF!

Our Mission Continues...

JDRF Illinois continues to mourn the loss of our friend Ron Santo.  Ron became involved with JDRF in 1979 when the Walk took its first steps.  For more than thirty years, he was at the heart of the event, being its biggest supporter, champion, and voice.  He will be missed by everyone who knew him and millions who heard him during WGN Radio broadcasts.   

JDRF Illinois will continue to honor Ron well into the New Year.  Walk day was important to Ron, and while it will never be the same, it will continue to grow because of each of you.  So we thank you and invite you to continue walking with us.

We are also grateful for the many cards and gifts sent to us in his honor.  If you would like to make a donation in honor of Ron, you may do so through the JDRF web site at http://www.jdrfillinois.org/ or by mailing a memorial check to JDRF Illinois, 11 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1800 Chicago, IL  60603-1344.



Ron at the 2010 Walk

Ron dedicated his life to finding a cure for diabetes and we will continue to work hard on his behalf to make his dream a reality - but we need your help!

It's not too late to turn in donations!  It is going to take a concerted effort to reach our $5 million goal.  Donations can be sent in a collection envelope or mailed to the JDRF Illinois Chapter office.  Please be sure to include a note with your site, team name and walker name.

Looking for ideas to raise additional funds? Keep up the great work by trying one of these ideas:

• Plan a holiday party benefiting JDRF!
• Include an appeal in your holiday card.
• Ask your child's school to hold a Kids Walk. The Kids Walk Program gives students the opportunity to help fellow classmates affected by diabetes AND raise money for their school. Schools can receive 10% of the money raised! For more information, visit www.jdrfkidswalk.donordrive.com or contact your local Walk Manager to set-up a Kids Walk.
• Ask a local business or restaurant to donate a percentage of sales back to JDRF.
• Auction off a close parking space at the office during the cold winter months.
• Collect change for JDRF - every cent counts! JDRF canisters are available. Contact your local Walk Manager to place an order.

All donations received through the end of February will be counted towards your team's 2010 total.

2010 Team T-Shirt Contest

Congratulations to the 2010 JDRF Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes T-shirt Contest Finalists.  Please vote for your favorite T-shirt by leaving the T-Shirt number or team name of the t-shirt in the comment sections below.

One family team t-shirt winner will be chosen at each of our six Walk Sites, as well as one overall Corporate Team t-shirt winner.  The winning t-shirts will be framed and announced at our January Walk Awards Receptions.  Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22nd.

Voting is simultaneously going on at our JDRF Illinois Facebook page as well, so be sure to vote and feel free to pass this on to your friends and family (click on the envelope below)!  Happy Voting!

Corporate Team T-Shirt Contest Finalists - VOTE NOW

Congratulations to the 2010 JDRF Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes Corporate Team T-shirt contest finalists.  Please vote for your favorite T-shirt by leaving the T-Shirt number or team name of the shirt in the comment section below.  Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22nd. 


T-Shirt #1 - Captive Resources

T-Shirt #2 - Ed Miniat Inc.

T-Shirt #3 - SEKO Worldwide, LLC

T-Shirt #4 - The Warranty Group

Happy Voting!

Busse Woods T-Shirt Contest Finalists - VOTE NOW

Congratulations to the 2010 JDRF Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes t-shirt contest finalists for our Northwest Suburbs (Busse Woods) Walk Site.  Please vote for your favorite T-shirt by leaving the T-Shirt number or team name of the shirt in the comment section below.  Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22nd.  Happy Voting!

T-Shirt #1 - Meg's Militia

T-Shirt #2 - Robert Gardner Cure Crusaders

T-Shirt #3 - Wheels for a Cure

Happy Voting!

Lakefront T-Shirt Contest Finalists - VOTE NOW

Congratulations to the 2010 JDRF Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes t-shirt contest finalists for our Chicago (Lakefront) Walk Site.  Please vote for your favorite T-shirt by leaving the T-Shirt number or team name of the shirt in the comment section below.  Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22nd.  Happy Voting!


T-Shirt #1 - Alexandra's Amazing Butterflies

T-Shirt #2 - Diabetes Dudes & Dudettes

T-Shirt #3 - Hary Care-eez

T-Shirt #4 - Marathoners Supporting JDRF

T-Shirt #5 - Rosenberg Family

T-Shirt #6 - Sunshine Team

T-Shirt #7 - Team Sweet Caroline

Libertyville T-Shirt Contest Finalists - VOTE NOW

Congratulations to the 2010 JDRF Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes t-shirt contest finalists for our North Suburbs (Independence Grove, Libertyville) Walk Site.  Please vote for your favorite T-shirt by leaving the T-Shirt number or team name of the shirt in the comment section below.  Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22nd.  Happy Voting!

T-Shirt #1 - Katie's Crew

T-Shirt #2 - Leanne's Lickity Splits

T-Shirt #3 - Sari's Journey for a Cure

T-Shirt #4 - The A-Train

Happy Voting!

Lisle Team T-Shirt Contest Finalists - VOTE NOW

Congratulations to the 2010 JDRF Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes t-shirt contest finalists for our West Suburbs (Community Park of Lisle) Walk Site.  Please vote for your favorite T-shirt by leaving the T-Shirt number or team name of the shirt in the comment section below.  Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22nd.  Happy Voting!

T-Shirt #1 - Cruisin for Conor

T-Shirt #2 - Hoof it for Heather

T-Shirt #3 - Jerry's Kids 

T-Shirt #4 - Maddie's Marchers

T-Shirt #5 - Michael's Milers

T-Shirt #6 - Natalie's Dream Team

T-Shirt #7 - Strollin' for Rowan

T-Shirt #8 - Team Keegan

Happy Voting!

Palos Hills T-Shirt Contest Finalists - VOTE NOW

Congratulations to the 2010 JDRF Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes t-shirt contest finalists for our Southwest Suburbs (Palos Hills) Walk Site.  Please vote for your favorite T-shirt by leaving the T-Shirt number or team name of the shirt in the comment section below.  Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22nd.  Happy Voting!


T-Shirt #1 - Abbie's All Stars

T-Shirt #2 - Delaney's Dream Team

T-Shirt #3 - Kempczynski Cruisers



T-Shirt #4 - Kylie for the Cure

T-Shirt #5 - RT's Roadrunners

T-Shirt #6 - Team Big Foot



Central Illinois T-Shirt Contest Finalists - VOTE NOW

Congratulations to the 2010 Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes t-shirt contest finalists for our Central Illinois Walk Site.  Please vote for your favorite T-shirt by leaving the T-Shirt number or team name of the shirt in the comment section below.  Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22nd.  Happy Voting!

Shirt #1 - Izzy Bees

Shirt #2 - Blythe's Blessings

Shirt #3 - Jake's All-Stars

Shirt #4 - Kohlton's Krew

Shirt #5 - Matthew Matters

 Shirt #6 - Sick of It!!

Shirt #7 - Tal's Tribe

Happy Voting!

Lunch with Santa to Benefit JDRF

Emilio's Tapas in Hillside will be hosting a Lunch with Santa on Sunday, December 19th from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00pm.  Emilio's will be making a donation from the event proceeds to benefit JDRF.  Complimentary lunch will be provided for all Elves 6 & under.  There will also be a special children’s menu for older Elves up to 12 years.  Parents are asked to please bring their camera to take pictures with Santa.  To make a reservation, please call Emilio's Tapas at 708-547-7177.  Special thank you to Emilio's Tapas for their generous support of JDRF!

In Memory of Our Friend & Champion, Ron Santo - 1940-2010

The entire JDRF community is saddened by the news of Ron Santo's passing. To millions he was the face and voice of JDRF. For all he did to improve the lives of people living with diabetes, we owe it to Ron to keep working to find the cure to which he dedicated his life.

If you would like to make a donation to JDRF in memory of Ron, please do so on-line by clicking here.

You may also mail your donation to JDRF Illinois, 11 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1800 Chicago, IL  60603-1344.

In honor of our champion, Ron, please leave any thoughts or comments below.

Thank you, Ron!  You will be greatly missed.

Happy Thanksgiving from JDRF

JDRF is thankful for YOU!

It's that time of year where we all celebrate the things we are thankful for in our lives. JDRF is thankful for you, our generous supporters, who continue to work hard to raise money for vital research. Celebrate the hope of a cure this Thanksgiving holiday!

November is also National Diabetes Awareness Month. Visit www.jdrf.org for ongoing coverage of the month's activities.

Don't Stop Now!

It is going to take a concerted effort to reach our $5 million goal! Now is the time to turn in any additional donations you may still have at your home or office. Don't forget about matching gifts too! Turn your money in so it can be counted toward your team total. Donations can be sent in a collection envelope or mailed to the JDRF Illinois Chapter office at 11 South LaSalle St., Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60603-1344. Please be sure to include a note with your site, team name and walker name.

Still have a little way before reaching your team's goal?  Keep up the great work by trying one of these ideas:

*  Plan a holiday party benefiting JDRF!

*  Follow-up with friends or family who still need to send you their donation.

*  Include an appeal in your holiday card.

*  Ask your child's school to hold a Kids Walk. The Kids Walk Program gives students the opportunity to help fellow classmates affected by diabetes AND raise money for their school. Schools can receive 10% of the money raised! For more information, visit www.jdrfkidswalk.donordrive.com or contact your local Walk Manager to set-up a Kids Walk.

*  Ask a local business or restaurant to donate a percentage of sales back to JDRF.

*  Auction off a close parking space at the office during the cold winter months.

*  Collect change for JDRF - every cent counts! JDRF canisters are available. Contact your local Walk Manager to place an order.

We still accept money well into the New Year!

2010 Team Totals

All money received by December 6th will count toward your team's 2010 Walk team total and award level. Awards are distributed at the Walk Awards Ceremony in January. Team totals will be posted on the JDRF Illinois website, www.jdrfillinois.org, so check back soon to view your total.

Walk Team Award Levels

$3,500 - $9,999		Bronze Achievement Award
$10,000 - $24,999		Silver Achievement Award
$25,000 - $49,999		Gold Achievement Award
$50,000 - $99,999		Platinum Achievement Award
$100,000 - $199,999		Diamond Achievement Award
$200,000 +		Ron Santo Award

Walk Awards Reception

Watch for details about the upcoming Walk Awards Receptions in the Chicago-area and Central Illinois. We can’t wait to celebrate you and your fundraising efforts!

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Please join us on December 11, 2010, for the Chance of a Lifetime Gala featuring an exciting auction, dinner and concert by Hall & Oates. Don’t delay in purchasing your table or tickets today by clicking here or contact the chapter at 312/670-0313.  Sales end December 3rd.

If you are unable to attend but would like to support JDRF please consider making a gift to the Gala Fund A Cure program.  All donations will be directed to the Artificial Pancreas Project.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

JDRF is looking for little artists to help us thank our generous sponsors, in-kind donors and top contributors by creating a one-of-a-kind thank you picture. Your child’s art could also appear on the 2010 Team Awards! Send us your "thank-you" picture with your child's name and age on it to our JDRF Illinois Chapter office by December 2nd. 

Thank you for your support of JDRF!  Happy Thanksgiving!