At Wawa we’ve had a long-standing partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund International (JDRF) that spans over 20 years.  It’s a cause that is near and dear to our associates’ hearts, and this past weekend, I was proud to represent Wawa as 2011 Honoree for the Eastern Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter of JDRF’s 41st Annual Promise Ball. This year the event was themed “Keeping the Promise” and it made me take a step back and reflect on how Wawa’s commitment to promote and support diabetes research has grown through the years.

At Wawa we began our efforts on behalf of JDRF more than two decades ago and from the very beginning our associates were passionate about the cause.  Today and several million dollars raised later, this commitment has reached new levels. Still, our work is far from done. Nearly 24 million Americans now have diabetes, 3 million of whom are affected by juvenile diabetes. 

It takes teamwork to make a difference and I’m proud that our 18,000 Wawa associates are teaming up with JDRF to bring us ever closer to finding a cure. As head goose, I couldn’t be prouder of our commitment to fly behind such an incredible organization. I’ve written before that geese fly in a “V” formation because it gives them 71% greater flying range than if one bird flew alone. It makes them stronger. Similarly, teamwork has enabled our associates and JDRF to fly higher than we ever imagined – and it’s a team effort that also involves our customers. Every fall, the colorful sneakers sold in our stores serve as a powerful symbol of our fundraising efforts.  Our dedicated associates champion the cause, handle donations, and encourage the sale of hundreds of thousands of sneakers. And our customers generously give from the heart, demonstrating the strength of the broader Wawa community.

Through the years, the Wawa flock has supported JDRF in many different ways – from in-store fundraising and food donations, to walking with our communities.  As I accepted the award I celebrated the efforts of the many people involved in championing the cause.  And I celebrated the meaning of being honored here in our hometown of Philadelphia, where we have roots that go back more than 100 years.  Our ties to Philadelphia remain strong today and whether we are celebrating a sponsorship like Welcome America or our support of a cause like the JDRF, I always reflect on the important values and traditions that make the City and the Region so unique and the meaning of being honored here. Philadelphia is our hometown, and while we will continue to evolve and embrace change, expanding into new markets and updating our products and store design, we will continue to stay true to our roots and support the causes that our near and dear to our hearts like JDRF.

On behalf of Wawa, we will keep the promise, and continue supporting the JDRF until a cure is found.

‘Till next time…