Advance Auto Parts Raises over $3.8 Million in 2009 Campaign in Support of Diabetes Research, Bringing Company Total to over $20 Million
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ROANOKE, Va.--The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is proud to announce that Advance Auto Parts, Inc., a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, batteries, accessories, and maintenance items, and national JDRF corporate partner, has raised over $3.8 million in support of diabetes research in 2009. This year marks Advance’s 16th consecutive year of support for JDRF in the search to find a cure for type-1 (juvenile) diabetes. Advance has raised over $20 million for JDRF over the 16 year partnership.
“The Advance Auto Parts Team is proud to be a national partner of JDRF, and we are thrilled to have been able to donate $20 million over the course of 16 years to its race to cure diabetes,” said Darren Jackson, CEO of Advance Auto Parts. “Supporting JDRF is an important part of our company culture and the national campaign is an opportunity for our Team Members to give back to the communities in which they live and work.”
Throughout the year, Advance Team Members and customers are tireless in their efforts in support of diabetes research. Every September, the Company holds an annual JDRF “sneaker” sales program in more than 3,400 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Customers purchase paper “sneakers” for $1 and $5. In addition, the Company raised additional funds through its Store Support Center in Roanoke, Virginia and in distribution centers across the country by participating in local Walk to Cure Diabetes events, hosting golf tournaments, silent auctions, and other fundraisers. Advance also hosted its 1st annual Vendor Golf Tournament, which featured a golf clinic from PGA Tour pro golfer Paul Azinger and professional golf instructor Matt Killen. The first year tournament was an incredible success, raising over $1 million for JDRF in 2009. $3.8 million sets a new single year record for Advance Auto Parts.
“We appreciate the tremendous participation from both our do-it-yourself and commercial customers. Their contributions have helped Advance donate $20 million over the course of 16 years to diabetes research,” said Keith Oreson, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, and Chairman of the company’s JDRF campaign.
“JDRF is very proud of the ongoing support and immense dedication Advance Auto Parts has shown in helping to fight type 1 diabetes and its complications,” said Alan J. Lewis, Ph.D., President and CEO of JDRF. “Congratulations and thank you to Advance Auto Parts, its customers and Team Members for 16 years of incredible support.”
ABOUT JDRF
JDRF is the leader in research leading to a cure for type 1 diabetes in the world. It sets the global agenda for diabetes research, and is the largest charitable funder and advocate of diabetes science worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, and can be fatal. Until a cure is found, people with type 1 diabetes have to test their blood sugar and give themselves insulin injections multiple times or use a pump – each day, every day of their lives. And even with that intensive care, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications, which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation.
Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.3 billion to diabetes research, including more than $100 million in 22 countries in FY2009.
ABOUT ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items in the United States, serves both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets As of October 10, 2009, the Company operated 3,418 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Advance Auto Parts supports a variety of non-profit organizations at the corporate and local levels and encourages its Team Members to become actively involved in various community-based charitable organizations. Nationally, Advance Auto Parts is a strong supporter of United Way and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Since 1994, Advance Auto Parts has raised more than $20 million for JDRF and is one of that organization’s largest corporate supporters.
Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and on-line shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company’s web site at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.