Big Y Raises $63,783 for Juvenile Diabetes

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- The Big Y World Class Markets here said yesterday it has raised $63,783 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) as a result of a monthlong fundraiser that took place from Oct. 6 to Nov. 2. Customers and employees had the opportunity to buy the organization's paper sneaker logos for $1 each. The sneakers were signed and inscribed, and then hung up in every one of the New England grocer's 52 stores.

To create excitement, the retailer offered an in-store raffle for customers and employees to win $250 worth of Big Y gift cards, and held a cashier contest for the top-selling cashier per store, with a $50 gift card as the prize.

According to c.o.o. Charles D'Amour in the Springfield, Mass. Republican, the fundraiser will become a yearly event.

"Each and every person involved learned a tremendous amount from this promotion," noted Big Y promotions coordinator Melissa Serra. "Diabetes is such a widespread illness that if we don’t know someone with it now, we will in the near future."

At the check presentation ceremony at the retailer's 800 Boston Road Springfield location on Jan. 25, Janis L. Neri, president of the JDRF's regional board of directors remarked that according to the latest indications, a cure for juvenile diabetes could be forthcoming within the next five to 10 years. D'Amour was on hand to present the check, along with Serra and store manager Bob Goldrick.
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