Missoula, Montana – The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research. In 2012, JDRF provided more than $110 million for T1D research accumulated through private donations and various fundraising activities.  One of their more successful fundraising activities is the annual JDRF Walk for The Cure.  For several years, the KE Delta Chapter at the University of Montana has been involved with the local JDRF fundraising efforts.

In April 2013, Delta Chapter Members doubled their efforts by accumulating donated items from individuals and obtained generous donations from local businesses to embellish the efforts of the JDRF Walk.  They utilized all of the donated items to create gift baskets for the raffle and used the funds they raised to purchase and donate a Kindle for the grand prize.  Many Delta Chapter Members took part in organizing the walk and served on the Advertising Committee to inform the community about the JDRF Walk and events of the day.  Among their efforts, a local business was decorated to market the event and a Delta Chapter Advisor obtained and organized additional prizes to embellish the raffle.

The day of the event, several Delta Chapter Members volunteered and help wherever needed. Many assisted all aspects of the day’s event including set-up of the tents, tables, balloons and signs. One was assigned to assist local sports mascots, others manned registrations, another helped with the food set up, two were in charge of compiling team information and taking photos and others helped walkers keep track of their laps. In addition to offering support and encouragement, the team also helped cook and serve food to the walkers and volunteers.  After the Walk, Delta Chapter Members remained on site to assist with the field and food clean up and packing of the supplies.

More than $31,000 was raised during the April 2013 JDRF Walk. Both the community of Missoula and the Delta Chapter recognize the benefits of the charitable support that the JDRF Walk provides.  Deemed a great success, everyone was in agreement to continue a united participation for an annual charitable event.