August 2, 2005 – In its first six months, the Seneca Diabetes Foundation (SDF) is kicking off an aggressive fundraising program to raise more than $250,000 in private funds in 2005.  The Foundation was established in October 2004 by then Seneca President Elect Barry E. Snyder, Sr. to address one of the top health issues facing Native Americans and specifically Seneca Nation members. Fifty percent (50%) of Seneca Nation adult members have diabetes and it’s impacting its younger generations at earlier ages.

Fundraising activities include the sale of the popular themed wristbands, specialty bottled Native Spirit spring water, and a celebrity-packed golf tournament to be held on August 15 at Brierwood Country Club, Hamburg.

SDF’s mission is to provide education outreach, prevention awareness and fund research to improve the lives of Seneca Nation Members and others affected by diabetes.

“Diabetes is a disease can be beaten if we all work together to raise money that will help to increase education and find research,” said SDF Chairman Snyder. “We can do this for our families today and for our future generations.”

Wristbands are available for sale at both Seneca Niagara and Seneca Alleghany Casinos for $5 each or two for $7 and can also be purchased at SDF events. Wristbands themed with SDF tagline – Strong in Spirit, Strong in Body – come in florescent green and purple, the Foundation’s signature colors.  More than 500 have been sold in the past three weeks.

Native Spirit bottled water is available for sale after mid-August at the casinos with a portion of the proceeds designated to fund SDF mission initiatives. Native Spirit and the wristbands will also be available at Seneca Nation Enterprise locations in the Cattaraugus and Alleghany territories.

Capping off SDF activities for the month is a celebrity golf tournament. A full roster of foursomes will tee off for a Shamble tournament co-chaired by Seneca Nation Treasurer Maurice John and Nation Members Bergal Mitchell and Arnie Cooper. Michael Militello, SDF Finance Chairman, is also a co-chair.  SDF Chairman Barry E. Snyder, Sr. is the event’s Honorary Chairman.  For information contact tournament director John Rehak at 716-474-6359.

SDF is also working in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), partnering with its Awakening the Spirit program designed to address specific issues related to Native American lifestyle and diabetes.

Contact: Jillian Fiorella
Travers Collins & Company
842-2222, ext. 341