Released: August 2001

Local Homebuilder Announces Lofty Goal as Corporate Sponsor of
2001 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's
"Walk to Cure Diabetes"

Astoria Homes Doubles Last Year's Goal to $10,000 for Research

Las Vegas homebuilder Astoria Homes is helping to build a bridge to conquer juvenile diabetes.

Michele Loker, team captain for Astoria Homes' "Walk to Cure Diabetes" team, recently announced the homebuilder doubled its fundraising goal to a minimum of $10,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The 2001 "Walk to Cure Diabetes" is scheduled for September 22nd at 7am at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Astoria has been a corporate sponsor and an active participant of the walk for the last two years. Last year, Astoria raised more than $7,000, which earned the team a Silver Level Achievement Award. And in 1999, the home-building team was recognized with a Bronze Level Achievement Award for raising more than $4,300.

"This is a wonderful way for us to give back to the community and raise awareness for juvenile diabetes and research," said Loker. "We have surpassed our fundraising goals each year, and we hope to do that again this year."

According to Geoff Gorman, Vice President of Sales for Astoria Homes and President of the Las Vegas Chapter of JDRF, the homebuilder is participating in the JDRF "Sneaker" benefit shoe sale, with the company matching all sales. The company is also selling raffle tickets for four baskets donated by Baskets-n-Bows.

The "Walk to Cure Diabetes" is a walkathon held in 170 locations throughout the year benefiting JDRF. Last year, the Walk raised more than $57 million. For more information about participating in the "Walk to Cure Diabetes" in specific areas or for sponsorship opportunities, call 1-888-533-WALK.

With more than $140 million raised by 116 chapters and affiliates worldwide, JDRF is the world's leading nonprofit, nongovernmental funder of diabetes research. In addition to the "Walk to Cure Diabetes", "JDRF volunteers help raise funds through the "Ride to Cure Diabetes," galas, golf tournaments, community activities, advocacy and private donations.