NEWS

SirsiDynix US Employees Rally for Juvenile Diabetes Cure

Staff raises almost $9,000 for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

PROVO, Utah - SirsiDynix®, the global leader in library technology solutions, proudly announces a donation of $8,900 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The funds were raised by 250 employees in Provo, Utah, Huntsville, Alabama and St. Louis, Missouri, during a two month campaign culminating in November, National Diabetes Awareness Month.

“Being an industry leader means more than leading the way in solutions for libraries. It means community leadership as well,” said Matt Hawkins, SirsiDynix Chief Operating Officer. “Involving employees to support a cure for juvenile diabetes not only allowed staff to raise money together for an important cause, but also provided an opportunity for everyone to learn more about a debilitating disease that affects millions. We are grateful that our Human Resources team helps us identify and participate in opportunities like this.”

Over 3 million Americans have type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, according to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which supports research for a cure for the disease. About 40 children are diagnosed each day. There is no known cause for type 1 diabetes, nor is there a cure. The disease typically strikes people under the age of 20 suddenly and severely, rendering them to a lifelong struggle with managing its symptoms and devastating complications.

“It takes something pretty big for me to volunteer to take a pie in the face from my staff and co-workers!” said Bill Kessler, SirsiDynix US Sales Director - Central Regional, who allowed more than 50 employees to throw pies for a donation during a carnival day held at SirsiDynix’s Huntsville, Alabama office. “We have employees who deal with the daily challenges of living with juvenile diabetes, so to me, a few pies in the face was a worthy cause.”

The Huntsville Carnival Day, which included pie throwing, an airplane throwing contest, team games, a raffle and food sales, raised funds in addition to a Walk to Cure Diabetes and other events. The Huntsville office was recognized as the largest regional corporate giver during the week of their walk. The 75 employees contributed over $5,500.

Staff in Provo and St. Louis raised funds through similar efforts, including food sales, a silent auction, and a Walk to Cure Diabetes in each respective location.

“I am proud that our employees contributed enthusiastically to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes, especially in our current economy,” said Gary Rautenstrauch, SirsiDynix Chief Executive Officer. “We are looking for more opportunities for our employees to get involved in their communities and give to important causes such as these with SirsiDynix’s support.”

www.sirsidynix.com
www.jdrf.org