Richmond Hill Kroger pharmacist Bill Hahn has enlisted other businesses and residents to join him in the fight against diabetes. This marks the third year Hahn has done so, and he is looking for others to get involved as they reach the final stretch of this year’s annual outreach efforts.
"My goal is to raise as much as possible as I see these people on a daily basis and realize the huge expense of being diabetic," said Hahn.
Most recently, the Richmond Hill Kroger pharmacy and Beef ‘O’ Brady’s raised $325 in a fundraiser on Thursday, which was forwarded to the American Diabetes Association, bringing Hahn closer to his goal he set for himself this year of $4,000.
Each year, Hill of Beans owners Emily Ganserit and Amy Lane have helped Hahn in his efforts to help individuals who are fighting the disease. This year is no different.
"This is locals helping locals," said Ganserit. "We had an employee that worked for us for two years that had severe diabetes, so we saw first hand what this disease can do. We also have some close friends that depend on insulin, so this definitely hits home."
Ganserit said Hill of Beans jumped on board when Hahn started his fundraising efforts three years ago and have been involved each year since. She encourages residents to contribute to the labeled tip jar at the coffee shop, noting that close to $1,300 was collected this way last year.
Another way to contribute is the annual raffle at the pharmacy. Hahn wishes to remind everyone there's only about one more week left to purchase tickets as the deadline is Oct. 5.
Every penny of the raffle proceeds will go to the ADA, and many local businesses have contributed prizes for it. Among the prizes are Kroger gift cards, a bicycle from Coca Cola, a gift basket of local goodies from Ellas and a round of golf for four from Sterling Links.
"Buying a raffle ticket is a great way for people to help the cause and help us to help others," said Hahn.
RHHS band booster president Craig Klebe recently purchased raffle tickets and even helped out during the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s fundraiser.
"The reason I’m involved is I watched my brother die from diabetes several years ago, and, quite honestly, he didn’t have a very good life because of the disease," Klebe said. "My son has been diagnosed with it, and I don’t want the same for him. I know the American Diabetes Association has already helped a lot of people, and contributing to what Bill is doing is a wonderful way to get involved on a local level."
The ADA serves individuals afflicted with this disease with information, patient support, public awareness, and funding for research.
The American Diabetes Association mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.