The community has given the Humphrey Diabetes Center a boost of adrenaline by supporting two recent fundraising projects for the Center.

Elementary school kids in Emmett inspired a rural neighborhood with their "Pennies for Diabetes" project this spring on behalf of the Humphreys Center. Shadow Butte Elementary students began by collecting change in canning jars in their classroom. When they announced their project on the school's reader board outside, neighbors started stopping in with their jars of change. Within just 4 weeks, the 400+ students had raised $812.17.

According to Principal Cindy Roberts, the project was inspired by a third grader diagnosed with diabetes early in the school year and by the services the diabetes center subsequently provided to the school. "We appreciate that the Humphreys Center was willing to come all the way out here to do two trainings — for our whole staff and for an emergency 'first responders' team."

The trainings were provided free of charge, thanks to grants and donations supporting Humphreys children's programs. The money raised by the elementary students will help Humphreys provide trainings at more schools this coming year.

In addition, on Sunday, May 18, 230 riders saddled their favorite trail horse and joined forces to raise $28,000 at the 13th annual Diabetes Ride presented by M3 Companies.

Proceeds from the ride will benefit Humphreys Diabetes Center and Idaho Diabetes Youth Program, two local non-profits dedicated to educating and serving local people who live with diabetes.

Next year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2009. Call 208-859-7542 or visit www.thediabetesride.org for more information.

Larissa Lamson