Zip the Cure Announces Innovative Online Fundraising Program

Dec. 16, 2009 - PRLog -- PITTSBURGH -- Zip the Cure has launched a new website enabling individuals and businesses to donate online to fund diabetes research.  The website features a map of the United States divided into zip codes.   Each zip code can be sponsored for $100.  Initially, the map is yellow and as each zip code is sponsored, the zip code area will turn green.  The website, www.zipthecure.com  went live on November 14, 2009, which was World Diabetes Awareness Day.

Monica Oxenreiter, founder of Zip the Cure, has been active in raising money and awareness of diabetes for her entire life.  Diagnosed when she was only thirteen months old, Oxenreiter, now fifteen years old, came up with a simple and unique idea to raise money.  “The $100 amount allows everyone to participate,” said Oxenreiter.   “We have both individuals and businesses sponsor zip codes.  One person in Portland organized a bake sale to raise the sponsorship fee.  We hope to get groups involved as well, such as schools, fraternities and sororities.”

More than three million Americans suffer from type 1 diabetes, more commonly known as juvenile diabetes.  Each year more than 15,000 people are diagnosed with juvenile diabetes in the United States.  That works out to 40 people per day, the majority being children.

Zip the Cure works without any paid staff, and depends on state captains in several states that coordinate fundraising efforts in their state.  Proceeds will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  “We hope to have a year-end rush of people that want to use the tax deduction”, said Oxenreiter.  Monica can be reached at monica@zipthecure.com.

ABOUT ZIP THE CURE

Zip the Cure is a non-profit organization based in Pittsburgh, PA.  Zip the Cure is a 501c Charity approved by the IRS.  In addition, they have been authorized by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as a third party fundraiser.  Zip the Cure is registered with the Pennsylania Bureau of Charitable Organizations.   For more information, please visit www.zipthecure.com or email admin@zipthecure.com.

ABOUT JDRF

Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.3 billion to diabetes research, including more than $156 million in FY2008. More than 85 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education. In FY2008, the Foundation funded more than 1,000 centers, grants, and fellowships in 22 countries, including nearly 40 human clinical trials.

ABOUT TYPE 1 DIABETES

Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them dependent on injected or pumped insulin for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. While diagnosis most often occurs in childhood and adolescence, it can and does strike adults as well.

# # #

Zip the Cure is a non-profit organization based in Pittsburgh, PA. Zip the Cure is a 501c Charity approved by the IRS. In addition, they have been authorized by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as a third party fundraiser. Zip the Cure is registered with the Pennsylania Bureau of Charitable Organizations. For more information, please visit www.zipthecure.com or email admin@zipthecure.com.