The JDRF (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund) welcomed big walkers and corporate sponsors to its annual One Walk kickoff luncheon at Pleasant Valley Country Club on July 15.
The nonprofit opened with a snippet of its new branding -- "We're the plan for a cure type, the improve life along the way type ... the stop at nothing until Type 1 becomes Type none" -- and then welcomed speakers like board member Dr. Teresa Nimmo, Cindy Holland, and Justin Flores.
Scott and Robbi Davis (Team Parker's Pack) were recognized as the top grossing team in recent years (with more than $12,000 last year, and more than $47,000 over four years). That prompted this response from Wayne Eastman -- "We're coming after ya!"
Eastman is co-captain of The Rodgestars of Russellville along with Jen and Mike Rogers. They were named Most Creative Captains in part for raising money from a golf tournament, a pancake breakfast and direct appeals.
Other "mosts" included the corporate team from First Security Bank ($16,000 last year and $43,400 over three years); the most spirited corporate team, QualChoice, and school team, the University of Central Arkansas baseball team and "Diamond Dolls"; and simply the largest team (and presenting sponsor), Land O' Frost and captains Julie Baker and Stacy Looney.
The big walk is still more than two months away -- mercifully, since the temperature this day was 98 -- on Oct. 3 at Dickey-Stephens ballpark (and again Oct. 17 in Jonesboro).
High Profile on 08/09/2015