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Issaquah-Based Supplier Succeeds Nordstrom to Help Raise Funds for Type 1 Diabetes Research and Awareness; Steps up Nationally as a Breakthrough T1D Walk National Series Sponsor
Issaquah, Washington – March 6, 2025 - SanMar Corporation, the leading supplier of wholesale accessories and apparel, today announced its role as the Presenting Sponsor of Seattle’s Beat the Bridge, a beloved charity race now in its forty-third year. The event benefits Breakthrough T1D, the preeminent global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, formerly known as JDRF.
The festivities will take place at Husky Stadium on the University of Washington campus, with the namesake 8K run, 3-mile walk, 1-mile fun run, and crowd-favorite Diaper Derby on May 10. The race draws thousands of participants annually, ranging from dedicated runners to families and groups supporting loved ones and building community for those with T1D.
“SanMar is excited to step in as the new Presenting Sponsor, continuing the incredible legacy of community involvement and support for a cause that is so close to my family,” says Jeremy Lott, CEO of SanMar. “We look forward to leveraging that dedication and helping keep Beat the Bridge an iconic Pacific Northwest tradition that makes a real difference for those with type 1 diabetes and their families.”
Lott’s commitment to finding a cure for T1D began in 2022 when his son, now a high school student, was diagnosed and later introduced to the resources and community of Breakthrough T1D.
In addition to securing the Presenting Sponsorship of the Beat the Bridge event, this year SanMar boosted its engagement as a nationwide sponsor of the Breakthrough T1D Walk series. This expanded support reflects the company’s deepening commitment to groundbreaking efforts in the fight against T1D and bringing awareness and resources to communities across the country.
“As a local and national sponsor, we're honored to support this meaningful cause," shares Jennifer Larson, Chief People Officer at SanMar. "Type 1 diabetes affects millions, and we’re committed to working alongside Breakthrough T1D to drive progress in research and treatment. This work and the Beat the Bridge event is very much in line with our purpose of creating meaningful connections that elevate lives.”
Beat the Bridge was started by Nordstrom in 1983 as part of the Breakthrough T1D Walk program, which organizes annual fundraising events in more than 200 locations across 13 countries. To date, the Breakthrough T1D Walk program has raised over $1 billion for T1D research, with Beat the Bridge proudly holding the top spot as the organization’s largest walk event in the U.S.
The marathon-qualifying Beat the Bridge 8K raises the stakes for runners, who race to cross the University Bridge over Seattle's Portage Bay before the drawbridge is raised temporarily. Those who miss the cut-off are treated with block party entertainment temporarily before the bridge is lowered and they can complete the course.
“We are incredibly grateful for SanMar’s leadership as a Breakthrough T1D Walk National Series sponsor and the presenting sponsor for the 43rd Annual Beat the Bridge for Breakthrough T1D event in Seattle,” says Karen Abrahamson, senior vice president of field engagement at Breakthrough T1D. “Corporate sponsors like SanMar, who are dedicated to giving back to their communities and nonprofit organizations like ours, are key to Breakthrough T1D’s broader engagement and make advancing our mission possible. Together, through our walk events, we’re creating a movement, taking action for the entire type 1 diabetes community, and accelerating breakthroughs on the way to cures for the disease,” adds Abrahamson.
Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to join in the fun and challenge of this year’s events. SanMar welcomes the support of fellow sponsors including The Boyle Family, RH Brown, PACCAR, Kraken, CAS, USI, Expeditors, The Sample Family and Brooks.
Early registration is now open for individuals and organized teams.
For more information about the event and how to participate, visit the Beat the Bridge for Breakthrough T1D homepage.
To learn more about SanMar, visit sanmar.com.
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ABOUT SANMAR
At SanMar Corporation, we do more than make and sell t-shirts. We build meaningful connections that elevate lives. As the largest supplier of wholesale imprintable clothing and accessories in the United States, our products, and the connections they create impact organizations, individuals, and the world we live in. It all started more than 50 years ago with a business philosophy that has held true since day one: Be Nice and Tell the Truth. Family owned and operated, SanMar is based in Issaquah, Washington, with nine distribution centers nationwide and apparel from more than 30 celebrated brands.
About Breakthrough T1D Walk and National Series Sponsorship
Breakthrough T1D Walk is a nationwide movement where thousands rally to transform the future for those with type 1 diabetes. It is the largest global event for the T1D community, driving research, advocacy, and support to improve lives while funding cures research. The Breakthrough T1D Walk National Series sponsors help empower communities and play a crucial role in ensuring the growth and success of each local Walk event, driving registration, fundraising, and awareness efforts. With nearly 130 Breakthrough T1D Walks across the country, individuals, teams, organizations, and our national sponsors work and walk together to raise critical funds that accelerate Breakthrough T1D’s mission.
About Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with the government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
About Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
T1D is an autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all. This leads to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications, which can include highs and lows in blood sugar; damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart; and even death. Globally, it impacts nearly 9 million people. Many believe T1D is only diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, but diagnosis in adulthood is common and accounts for nearly 50% of all T1D diagnoses. The onset of T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. There is currently no cure for T1D.
About Beat the Bridge
Beat the Bridge for Breakthrough T1D is an annual athletic race, walk, and fundraiser held at Husky Stadium in Seattle. This iconic event, now in its 43rd year, will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Beat the Bridge is fun for the whole family with a competitive 8K run and wheelchair race, a 3-mile family walk, a 1-mile fun run, and a Diaper Derby for toddlers. Since its inception in 1983, Beat the Bridge has raised over $37 million to advance treatments, improve access to care, and support policies that help prevent, manage, and treat T1D—while advancing toward cures.
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