Lions Clubs raised $3,500 for JDRF through a 'Strides Event' at its state convention
Lions Clubs in New Jersey took steps -- literally -- to join the battle against diabetes by holding a "Strides Event" during their state convention last May, raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). At their State Council Meeting on Nov. 12, two days before World Diabetes Day, Lion representatives from all three New Jersey Lions Districts, 16N, 16J, and 16L, presented a check in the amount of $3,500 to Maryann Malak, from the New Jersey Metro and Rockaway Chapters of JDRF. Many clubs and individual Lions throughout the three districts contributed toward this donation.
Malak expressed her appreciation for the Lions support, and noted that her organization is dedicated to finding a cure for this disease that impacts so many in devastating ways.
Juvenile Diabetes, or Type I Diabetes, (T1D) is a leading cause of blindness, kidney disease, and heart disease. It affects 1.25 million Americans, including 200,000 youth (persons under 20) and over a million adults (persons over 20). Forty thousand people are diagnosed each year and by the year 2015, over 5 million people are expected to have T1D, with 600,000 of them being under age 20.
The Lions Clubs of New Jersey, which are part of the Lions International, the world's largest service organization, are committed to the work of finding a cure for this serious disease. District 16L Governor Bob Freidel and State Council Chair, Albert Olizi, have already committed to holding another Strides Event at the 2017 Lions State Convention in Atlantic City, and are setting a goal of $10,000 in funds to be raised at this second Walk on the Boardwalk for JDRF. If you are interested in participating, contact committee chairperson, Donna Freidel, at 856-232-2220. If you would like to learn more about becoming a Lion, call Bob Freidel, 856-228-8626.
This item submitted by Min Elders for Lions Clubs of New Jersey.