THANK YOU!

A sincere thank you to everyone who participated in the

2009 Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes in Akron!

The rain held off and nearly 600 walkers and volunteers participated in Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes on Sunday, October 4 at Lock 3 in downtown Akron to take a stand against diabetes.  Every dollar you raise helps the American Diabetes Association provide education programs in our community, protect the rights of people with diabetes and fund critical research for a cure.

Participants enjoyed great music, an invigorating walk, lunch provided by Gionino’s and Subway and had the opportunity to learn about our exhibitors’ products and services. Dozens of Red Striders – children and adults who live with Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes – clearly demonstrated why your fundraising efforts through Step Out are so important.. to make a difference in the lives of all those affected by diabetes.

Red Strider Linda Csonka kicked off the Step Out 2009 program with her story of hope and courage, then Case Western Reserve University researcher Dr. Jeffrey Schelling, who is funded by the American Diabetes Association, thanked everyone for raising money to put into vital diabetes research. 

So far, we have raised over $54,000…but we’re not done yet!

If every walker raises an additional $25,

we will reach our goal of $70,000!

You have until October 31 to turn in your funds to qualify for fabulous “thank you” gifts.  Walkers who raise $100 or more are eligible to receive a Step Out event t-shirt.  Click here to see the selection – including apparel, iPods and flat screen TVs -- you can earn for raising $200 or more.   

Your personal webpage remains open for you to collect additional contributions and will credit to your Step Out account.  Please mail all checks with a Donation Deposit Form to:

American Diabetes Association                                                                    

Attn: Step Out - Akron

1815 West Market Street, Suite 108

Akron, OH 44313

Questions?  Please contact Jennifer Knechtel at 330.835.3149 ext 6741 or email us at jknechtel@diabetes.org.

Important Links:

• Thank You Gifts
• Akron Step Out Quick Facts
• Quick Guide to My Step Out Center Website
• Fundraising Materials Request Form
• Matching Gifts
• Fundraising A to Z

You have until October 31st to turn in any donations in order to receive your Step Out t-shirt ($100 fundraising minimum) or your 2009 Thank You Gifts ($200 or above in fundraising).  Thank You Gift Certificates will be mailed in mid-November. 

Have a question about the Akron Step Out?  Please contact Step Out Coordinator Jennifer Knechtel at 330-835-3149 ext. 6741 or at jknechtel@diabetes.org.

Other Ways to Get Involved

If you are unable to walk or you just want to help, there are many volunteer opportunities available. By volunteering, you can touch the lives of family, friends, co-workers and anyone else in our community who lives with diabetes. To learn more about volunteering, please click here.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors