Annual Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes set for Sunday, May 18
SEATTLE, May 18, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- On Sunday, May 18, over 9,000
runners, walkers and all manner of fleet footed fundraisers in the fight
against diabetes gathered at University of Washington's Husky Stadium to
participate in the 26th Annual Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes
event which benefits the Northwest chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation (JDRF). Contributions from Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat
Diabetes are expected to exceed $1 million for diabetes research this year;
raising more than $11 million since its inception in 1983.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001011/NORDLOGO )
"Thanks to the ongoing support of companies like Nordstrom, family teams
and individuals, we are able to help fund the best diabetes research
worldwide," said Nadine Heichel, executive director of the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation Northwest. "I look forward to the day when we find a cure
that allows the individuals and families affected by diabetes to live without
the restraints of this devastating disease."
This year's Beat the Bridge Youth Ambassador, Chloe Bacik looks forward to
a cure for diabetes too. Eleven-year-old Chloe and her brother Leighton, 29,
both live with type 1 diabetes.
"Looking at me, you would think I'm just a regular everyday kid," Chloe
said. "But, I'm not. I have diabetes. For seven years, my family and I have
struggled and strived, trying to manage my diabetes. Diabetes has been
frustrating, scary, and downright annoying so I'm hoping for a cure real
soon."
Approximately 1,000 Nordstrom employees and JDRF supporters volunteered
over 5,000 hours this year for the Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes
events. "We are proud of how committed our employees have been over the past
26 years to Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes," said Brent Harris,
Nordstrom executive vice president and regional manager for Washington/Alaska.
"Along with the dedication of JDRF, local businesses and the community,
everyone involved plays a vital role in raising the funds needed to bring us
closer to finding a cure for diabetes."
The Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes competitive 8K is the
fourth largest 8K race in the country. Non-competitive events included a Four-
mile Family Walk, a One-Mile Fun Run and a Diaper Derby which provided fun for
the entire family. Spectators were invited to participate in a variety of
activities and entertainment.
Proceeds from Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes, including
registration fees and pledges, benefit the Northwest chapter of the Juvenile
Diabetes Research Foundation. Pledges for this year's event will be accepted
through June 6 for prize eligibility. Major sponsors of the 2008 event
include: Nordstrom, PACCAR, Group Health, Brooks, Wells Fargo, ClearChannel
Outdoor, STAR 101.5, KOMO 4 TV, KOMO 1000 Radio and Puget Sound Business
Journal.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the world's leading nonprofit,
nongovernmental funder of diabetes research, was founded in 1970 by the
parents of children with type 1 diabetes-a disease that strikes children
suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant
threat of devastating complications. JDRF contributes more money directly to
diabetes research than any other non-governmental health agency in the world.
JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications
through the support of research. The Northwest chapter serves people in
Washington, Montana, and Alaska through advocacy efforts, online support and
resources, educational events, research updates, fundraisers, and Northwest
diabetes resources.
For more information, please visit www.jdrfnorthwest.org, call (800) 925-
5533 or e-mail jdrfnorthwest@jdrf.org..
Editor's Note: Attached is a list of 2007 Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to
Beat Diabetes 8K race winners.
2007 NORDSTROM BEAT THE BRIDGE
8K RACE WINNERS
MEN
1. Mark Mandi Seattle WA 24:21
(2nd consecutive win)
2. Jake Schmitt Seattle, WA 24:36
3. Leif Kohler Issaquah, WA 24:57
4. Travis Boyd Seattle, WA 24:58
5. Jon Hickey Seattle, WA 25:10
6. Chris Ahl Seattle, WA 25:15
7. Eric Garner Woodinville, WA 25:25
8. Brett Winegar Seattle, WA 25:39
9. Ben Mangrum Tacoma, WA 25:48
10. Angleo Baca Seattle, WA 25:56
WOMEN
1. Anca Ilau Vancouver, BC 27:21
2. Jill Hunter Seattle, WA 27:49
3. Mariko Holbrook Cambridge, MA 28:10
4. Gwen Greiner Seattle, WA 28:46
5. Lauren Matthews Seattle, WA 29:19
6. Tori Tyler Los Altos, CA 29:25
7. Sara Donahue Seattle, WA 29:27
8. Jennifer Arthur Seattle, WA 29:43
9. Sally Bergensen Seattle, WA 29:55
10. Rose Wetzel Seattle, WA 29:58
WHEELCHAIR MEN
1. Kaleb Kallappa Vancouver, WA 23:23
WHEELCHAIR WOMEN
1. Susannah Scaroni Spokane, WA 26:42
(2nd consecutive win)
CONTACTS: Kendall Ault
Nordstrom, Inc.
(206) 373-3031
Angie Malpass
Porter Novelli
(206) 770-7014
SOURCE Nordstrom
05/18/2008
CONTACT: Kendall Ault of Nordstrom, Inc., +1-206-373-3031, or Angie
Malpass of Porter Novelli, +1-206-770-7014
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001011/NORDLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Web site: http://www.nordstrom.com
http:// www.jdrfnorthwest.org
