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PROMOTING DIABETES RESEARCH JUST PART OF THE GAME
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | The crowd enjoyed a crisp summer evening last week as the Lakewood BlueClaws celebrated Elvis and efforts to raise funds for Diabetes research. |
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When the Lakewood BlueClaws play a baseball game, for many in the crowd, it's about more than just baseball. It's about reaching out to the community for a good cause.
Such was the case last week, when the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) set up shop at FirstEnergy Park, Lakewood.
The JDRF's Beckie Burlew and volunteers had information on the foundation's upcoming fundraising event, the 2006 Walk to Cure Diabetes that will take place on October 1 at the Seaside Heights Boardwalk, and also on October 8 at the Avon Boardwalk.
Ryan Hatfield of Manalapan, and Autumn Martinez of Lanoka Harbor, two newly diagnosed, type I diabetic children, joined in the fun and threw out first pitches at the start of the night's festivities.
The children were there as part of a promotion for the JDRF Walk that promises to bring together half a million people at 200 locations, "who will all make a difference in the lives of those with type I diabetes," said Burlew, the special events coordinator for the Foundation's Central Jersey Chapter.
Burlew said that the familyfriendly events would feature entertainment, food and kids' activities. For a Walker Registration form, register online at www.jdrf.org to build a team, and raise funds for diabetes research, or register online and create your own Walk Web page, she advised.
Since its founding, in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has been active in research in search of a cure for diabetes. The foundation is the world's largest charitable fundraiser and advocate of diabetes research, whose funding and leadership is associated with most major scientific breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes research to date.
For more information on the Walk-athons, contact Burlew at 732-219-6654, or rburlew@jdrf.org.
The event, which was also a 'tribute to Elvis night,' had Park employees wandering through the crowd dressed in Elvis garb, which added to the novelty. Jeff Krick, a professional Elvis, went on the field in between innings to sing Elvis Prestatewide. sley hits much to the crowd's delight.
Also at the game, Cub and Boy Scouts of all levels were also honored. Boy Scout Brant Camella, 12, of Troop 60, along with brothers Dylan, 9, a Webelo Scout, and Chase, 7, a Wolf Scout, Troop 160, who all play with the Brick National Baseball Team, excitedly held onto their tickets as they made their way into the packed stadium for the night's festivities.
"We love baseball," said the youngsters. "This is going to be fun."
In the Dugout, BlueClaws Asprilla Avelino, second baseman, and third baseman
Welinson Baez, took the event in stride.
"We really have team spirit," said Baez. "We hope to make it to the playoffs this season."
On Wednesday, The BlueClaws went on to win 3-1 against the Hagerstown Suns, making it their seventh straight victory.
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