Press Release
NEWS RELEASE
CONTACTS: Trevor M. Joelson
Arluck Promotions
(516) 606-7989
ANNUAL GREENVILLE ROAD RACE HAS HIGH HOPES
FOR DIABETES RESEARCH AND CARE
2009 Spinx Run Fest to benefit Joslin Diabetes Center’s
efforts in the fight against diabetes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Greenville, SC May 20, 2009 - The Spinx Run Fest, an annual road race put on in Greenville, South Carolina by the Greenville Track Club, has developed a charitable partnership with the Joslin Diabetes Center, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School at the cutting edge of diabetes research, care and education.
According to a study by the United States Census Bureau and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the state of South Carolina has the third highest prevalence of diabetes in the U.S., with 9.2% of residents living with the disease. The total impact of the disease is 391,467 residents. The pervasiveness of diabetes within the state and a passion for healthy lifestyles led the local annual event to help raise funds for Joslin Diabetes Center’s High Hopes Fund which supports the Center’s efforts to improve the lives of people with diabetes—young and old—and to prevent and cure the disease.
2009 Race participants will have the opportunity to become a member of Team Joslin when they register for the October 31st event. Team Joslin, which promotes a healthy lifestyle while raising money for diabetes research through athletic events, is captained by Jay Hewitt, Greenville resident and Ironman Triathlete, who has managed his diabetes to excel in athletics, his profession and family life.
Membership will champion participants to raise money for Joslin’s High Hopes Fund, while earning unique prizes for their contributions. The top charitable donation will receive a bib for the 2010 Boston Marathon, a trip for two to Boston, tickets to a Boston Red Sox game and an exclusive tour of the Joslin Diabetes Center. Other prize levels include performance t-shirts, online recognition, Joslin tracksuits and other exciting prizes.
“We're really looking forward to a great new charitable partner for the 2009 Spinx Run Fest through Jay Hewitt and the great folks at the Joslin Diabetes Center, said race director Ron Chappell. “Diabetes is a disease which touches so many and to link with the Boston based facility and link with the Boston Marathon should bring a new fun charitable aspect to this year's event. And, the approach we're using will allow runners to raise charitable funds for the Joslin without impacting the event's usual local charitable donations, such as Meals on Wheels, to which we're still strongly committed.”
Founded in 1898, the Joslin Diabetes Center continues to lead the fight against diabetes, which currently affects 24 million Americans. Projections have 370 million Americans impacted by the disease by 2030.
“The Joslin Diabetes Center is honored that the 2009 Spinx Run Fest will support the High Hopes Fund,” said Michael P. Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy at Joslin. “It’s through the generosity of community events such as this that we can continue doing the valuable research that benefits all people with diabetes.”
For information on Spinx Run Fest’s partnership with the Joslin Diabetes Center, contact Trevor Joelson at Trevor@arluckpromotions.com or (516) 606-7989.
About Spinx Run Fest
The Spinx Run Fest began in 2005 and has been a favorite for runners near and far ever since. Located in Greenville SC, the weather is seasonally mild and the atmosphere is welcoming. Runners have come from across the country - and world - to take on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This race has a history of being family friendly, this is in keeping with the mission of the Spinx Foundation. In partnership with the running community of Greenville, Spinx has been a leader in promoting family health and well-being.
About Joslin Diabetes Center
Joslin Diabetes Center is the world’s preeminent diabetes research and clinical care organization. Joslin is dedicated to ensuring people with diabetes live long, healthy lives and offers real hope and progress toward diabetes prevention and a cure for the disease. Founded in 1898 by Elliott P. Joslin, M.D., Joslin is an independent nonprofit institution affiliated with Harvard Medical School. For more information about Joslin, call 1-800-JOSLIN-1 or visit www.joslin.org.
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