What’s the best way to get a warm glow on a cold January night in Rochester, New York? For me, it was attending the JDRF ‘Find a Cure’ Gala. This annual fundraiser is a major source of securing dollars to help JDRF continue its mission of funding research to end diabetes. The Gala also is a way to celebrate and honor those in our Rochester community living with T1D. As a Gold Level sponsor, I was proud to know that my company, Fifty50 Foods, played a part in the local JDRF chapter’s big night where they raised more than $165,000 – twice the amount of last year. One thing that struck me at this event is the fact that EVERYONE I spoke to was in some way touched by this disease. It reinforced why our company is committed to giving half of its profits to diabetes research – something we have done since 1991. In the past 25 years, Fifty50 Foods has given more than $14 million to diabetes research that targets prevention, treatment and finding a cure for diabetes. Of this, approximately $8 million has gone to JDRF. In addition, we provide money and support to other organizations and grass roots campaigns all centered on the cause. And, hopefully we are making a difference by providing specialty foods that taste good for people living with diabetes or those wanting to follow a low-glycemic lifestyle.
According to the Giving USA Foundation, corporate and individual donations to charity and non-profit organizations remains on the rise despite economic and political uncertainty. Its research finds that Americans really want to make a difference, especially in supporting causes that matter to them. This was evident at the ‘Find a Cure’ Gala as people generously opened their wallets and hearts to continue our fight for a world without T1D. Let’s hope this is a trend that continues.