Walgreens, DRI Foundation reunite to support diabetes research
MIAMI — Walgreens and the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation will team up for the annual DRI Walk for Diabetes and Family Fun Day for the fifth consecutive year. The foundation said it expects thousands to participate in the event, which is set to take place on March 7 at Marlins Park in Miami. Another walk will be held simultaneously at Tradition Square in Port. St. Lucie. Both events will be instrumental in raising funds for the Diabetes Research Institute.
Through its partnership with Walgreens, the DRI Walk for Diabetes and Family Fun Day has raised more than $1.5 million that goes to support the work of the Diabetes Research Institute. The event is supported by teams of families affected by diabetes, ranging from Walgreens employees and customers to corporate sponsors and media partners.
Attendees will be treated to events focused on health and fitness. At the Marlins Park location, "The Biggest Loser" RunWalk Race Series will host a chip-timed 5K, 10K and a kids one-mile fun run, sponsored by "The Biggest Loser" Resort, the foundation stated. Winner Toma Dobrosavljevic and finalist Sonya Jones from NBC's "The Biggest Loser: Glory Days" will be at the event cheering on participants.
"Diabetes affects more than 29 million people in our country, and 9% of the people in Miami. Walgreens is committed to helping people get, stay and live well. We invite the South Florida community to join us at the DRI Walk for Diabetes & Family Fun Day and help us raise awareness and much needed funds to support the work of the Diabetes Research Institute," said Roy Ripak, market VP for Walgreens.
DRI Foundation president and CEO Joshua Rednik recognized the support of Walgreeens, adding that last year’s walk was the most successful to date. "We're extremely grateful and can't wait to see everyone rally together again this year for another record-breaking walk that will help us get one step closer to our goal of curing diabetes,” Rednik said.
The fundraising efforts will continue past event day through the month of March. Walgreens South Florida locations, from Port St. Lucie down to the Florida Keys, will offer customers the chance to purchase a DRI-branded “scannable” in increments of $1, $5 and $10. All “scannable” sales will go to support the Diabetes Research Institute.