Sunrise Mall in Massapequa and JC Penney presented the First Annual Winter Walk for Diabetes on Sunday, March 1. Prizes, giveaways, a continental breakfast and entertainment by WHLI 1100 AM Radio made this 3.5 mile fund-raising walk around the upper and lower levels of the mall an exciting event!

According to Joanne Parker, district manager, Long Island Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, the funds raised by the walk and various sponsor participation reached a total of $15,000. The money will be used to support the American Diabetes Association's research, education and advocacy efforts.

Over 160 walkers participated in the walk. Some of the teams were: The Dime Savings Bankers, The Disney Dynamos, The JC Penney team, Wicks N' Sticks team and varied individual teams. The top fundraisers were: Rebecca Hoffman of Lindenhurst, Jeanne Johnson of East Meadow representing the Dime Savings Bankers and Helene Berk of Massapequa Park.

The weekend events also provided on-going informative programs and handouts on diabetes which were presented by a variety of speakers and booth participants.