ASMBS Foundation News and Update—February 2014

February 2014

by Joseph Nadglowski and Connie Stillwell

Joseph Nadglowski, Executive Director of the ASMBS Foundation

Connie Stillwell, Director of Programs of the ASMBS Foundation

2013 Wrap-up and Top Walks of the Year! We would like to thank all of the volunteers, local presenters, and sponsors of our 2013 Walk from Obesity events. 2013 marked the 10th year of the Walk from Obesity, and it is our dedicated hosts and presenters who have made that possible. Over 5,000 people participated in a Walk from Obesity in 2013 and helped us raise nearly $225,000 for our cause.

We are proud to officially announce our Top Walks of 2013. These 10 events showed exceptional team work in participant recruitment and fundraising. The Top Walks of 2013 are as follows:
New York, New York
Presented by: NYC Bariatric Programs
Event leaders: Shannon Carey and Despina Hyde

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Presented by: Allina Bariatric Centers, HCMC Bariatric Center, HealthEast Bariatrics, Park Nicollet Bariatric Surgery Center, North Memorial Bariatrics and UMMC – Fairview Services
Event leaders: Mario Vai and Wayne Kesti

Greater Connecticut
Presented by: Bristol Hospital Bariatric Program, Dr. Makram Gedeon and Dr. Sampath Subramaniam
Event Leaders: Kerry Roy and Tammy Gangloff

Lafayette, Louisiana
Presented by: Lafayette General, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery and Surgical Specialist of LA-Lafayette
Event leaders: Brooke Doucet and Betsy Taylor

Phoenix, Arizona
Presented by: Scottsdale Healthcare Medical Center, with co-presenters Scottsdale Healthcare Bariatric Center, Dr. Robin Blackstone, Dr. James Swain, Dr. Jason Reynoso, and Scottsdale Healthcare Community Health Services
Event leader: Arrin Larson

New Orleans, Louisiana
Presented by: Louisiana Chapter of ASMBS
Event leader: Kim Mulkey

Grand Junction, Colorado
Presented by: St. Mary’s Hospital – Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program
Event leader: Maria Polen

Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Presented by: Dr. Drake Bellanger and Dr. Andrew Hargroder
Event leaders: Katherine Wardlaw and Kelly DeWeese

Natick, Massachusetts
Presented by: Metrowest Medical Center and Leonard Morse Hospital
Event leader: Joanne Prentice

Greenville, North carolina
Presented by: Vidant Medical Center, Vidant SurgiCenter, Physicians East Bariatric Program, Southern Surgical and ECU Bariatric Surgery
Event leader: Samantha Casper

Thanks again to all of our volunteers who make the Walk from Obesity possible each year. We look forward to working with you all again in 2014.

For information on Hosting a Walk from Obesity, please visit: www.WalkfromObesity.com and click on “Host a Walk.”

A New Way to Fundraise—Personal Campaigns. Do you want to take steps of your own to help our cause, but have found that there is not a Walk in your town this year? The Walk from Obesity Personal Campaign Program was designed to give individuals that do not have a Walk from Obesity in their area the opportunity to take steps and help raise awareness and funds for our cause. A personal campaign can include the following:
• Your personal weight loss journey
• Celebration of success for weight loss or another personal goal
• Commemorative campaign in memory or in honor of someone
• In lieu of gifts at your special occasion
• Collect donations at a formal dinner or party

Sign up today for a Personal Campaign. We will provide you with online tools to get you started.
For more information about starting a Personal Campaign, please visit: www.WalkfromObesity.com and click on “Personal Campaign.”

Announcing New Walk from Obesity Sponsorship Opportunities for 2014! We have developed a whole new way to sponsor the Walk from Obesity on a national level. See how your company can gain national recognition with the Walk from Obesity.

Three Great Reasons to Become a National Sponsor of the Walk from Obesity:
Visibility. National sponsors will receive invaluable exposure to thousands of individuals who are affected by obesity as well as their friends and family and the healthcare community during promotion of the Walk.

Supporting an Important Cause. Your financial support ensures that efforts continue in obesity prevention, education, research, and advocacy.

Helping to Spread a Powerful Message. The Walk is the only event of its kind that brings together those affected by obesity.
For more information about the Walk from Obesity and the 2014 Sponsorship Prospectus visit www.walkfromobesity.com and click on “Sponsor.”
Please note: The Deadline to become a Walk from Obesity National Sponsors is July 1, 2014.

Fundraising Incentive Program—Fall 2013. During each of our Walk seasons (Spring and Fall) we offer incentive prizes as part of our fundraising program. Participants who raise at least $100 are entered into a drawing for a prize, and those who raise at least $1,000 win a prize automatically. Our prizes this year included a $100 Gift Card for Sports Authority and/or an iPad Mini.
We would like to thank everyone who took the extra step to fundraise for their local Walk from Obesity, as well as announce the winners for the 2013 fall season. The following individuals will be contacted by our office with information on how to claim their prizes. Congratulations and thank you to all the winners!
iPad Mini Winners:
Terri W.–—Minneapolis, MN
(raised over $2,500)
Teresa Z.—Hickory, NC
(drawing winner)
Stephanie C.—St. Louis, MO
(drawing winner)
Wes Y.—Rockville, MD
(drawing winner)
Sports Authority Gift Card ($100):
Terri W.—Minneapolis, MN
(raised over $1,000)
Guilford H.—Minneapolis, MN
(raised over $1,000)
Teresa Z.—Hickory, NC
(raised over $1,000)
Mario V.—Minneapolis, MN
(raised over $1,000)
Libby S.—Hickory, NC
(raised over $1,000)
Genevieve B.—Grand Rapids, MI (drawing winner)
Diane C.—Greater CT
(drawing winner)
Caitlin H.—Wilmington, NC
(drawing winner)

Every Step Counts! Join a 2014 Spring Walk from Obesity Today. We are proud to announce the 2014 Spring Walk from Obesity event list. Spring is just around the corner and what better way to kick it off than participating in one of these great events.
If you are interested in participating, forming a team, donating, or becoming a local sponsor of one of these Walks, please visit www.walkfromobesity.com and click on “Find a Walk”.
Alabama—Birmingham
Florida—Miami
(If you are interested in being a presenter of this Walk, please contact our office at [email protected])

Indiana—Fisher
Louisiana—Alexandria
Baton Rouge
Lafayette
New Orleans
New York—Syosset
White Plains
North Carolina—Raleigh
Ohio—Akron
Pennsylvania—Hershey
Texas—San Antonio
Virginia—Charlottesville

If there is not a Walk from Obesity near you this Spring, checkout our new Personal Campaign Program or for information about hosting a Walk this Fall in your town or city visit www.walkfromobesity.com.

Tags: ASMBS Foundation

Category: ASMBS Foundation News and Update, Past Articles