DRI WEEK
February 16, 2008 - February 23, 2008
On February 18, 2008, approximately 1,000 participants, including students, teachers, and parents, walked, ran, biked and skated to the finish line of a Seven-mile Walk/Bike-a-thon benefiting the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI.) The event is the pinnacle of a week-long campaign, which allows participants to organize projects of their choice to create awareness and raise funds for the cure-focused work of the DRI.
The walkathon, which began at 9 a.m. at C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines, was organized this year by Charles W. Flanagan High School senior Matt Caesar. He oversaw the work of not only the members of his own National Honor Society (NHS) chapter, of which he serves as the Parliamentarian, but also of all the other participating NHS and National Junior Honor Societies in Broward County.
“Every little part helps in the grand scheme,” said Matt, who believes this event makes philanthropy fun. “The more financial aid we give to the scientists working behind the scenes (at the DRI) the closer we are to curing those affected with diabetes.”
The reigns of the walkathon have been passed from student to student each year since retired Cooper City High School teacher and NHS sponsor, Audrey Dunn, handed down the leadership responsibilities three years ago. It all began when Audrey’s daughter, Cindy, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12, and the students of the NHS were moved to do something to fight the disease. At that time, Audrey contacted the DRI, and now, a quarter of a century later, the project has expanded exponentially. Of that, Audrey is not surprised.
“It is a great project that is very easy to get kids involved in. All they have to do is show up with their pledge money, and not only do they receive community service hours and a t-shirt, but also the pride of knowing they are helping to create much-needed awareness and funding for diabetes,” Audrey said.
(l-r) Jack Garcia, Event Organizer
Matt Caesar, Tony Guadamuz and
Keith Brown, Flanagan High School
seniors
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