Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Dream Gala.

In an annual company vote, we determine the organizations we will support with charitable contributions. This year, the Freightquote team chose the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) as one of the nonprofits we will give to. We make the biggest community impact when we give our time and money where our employees do, and JDRF receives direct support from many of our associates. 

“I knew very little about this disease, but realized quickly what it is like for a teenager to be dependent on meters, syringes and insulin. My involvement with JDRF started almost 6 years ago. My step daughter is afflicted with this terrible disease. They say every donated dollar counts, yet my monetary contributions seemed so small that I felt I needed to do more. I began to volunteer and contribute anytime I could, and constantly work towards a cure. I hope one day have a world without type 1 diabetes, and know that the company for whom I work …and that the company for whom I enjoy working, did their part,” Freightquote associate David Leibson said.

In May, we sponsored a table and attended the JDRF Dream Gala, hosted by Clark and Tavia Hunt and the Hunt Family Foundation. The event raised $1.8 million dollars and is the largest fundraiser for the Kansas City chapter of JDRF. The money raised goes directly toward research of new therapies as well as the ultimate cure. 

JDRF’s Young Leadership Committee (YLC) is a group of young professionals dedicated to creating awareness and fund raising for JDRF. The Kansas City committee is headed by Freightquote associates Matt Feldman and Renee Weilbaker. 

The YLC of JDRF put on the Sunset Music Festival in June, where well known bands, such as Sister Hazel, performed a free concert series. We supported this event with a monetary donation. The festival raises anywhere from $15,000 - $20,000 each year. 

Millions of people around the world suffer from the life-threatening autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes. It strikes without warning, having nothing to do with lifestyle or diet and affects children and adults – only 5 percent of people with diabetes have this form. Our team is determined to help the millions suffering. The ultimate goal is to turn type 1 diabetes, into type none, and our contributions, along with our employees’ donations of time and money bring that goal a bit closer.