We love ending the year with the annual Jingle Bell Run! For the past 16 years, Northeast Delta Dental has supported Jingle Bell Run New Hampshire to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation. This year, on December 5, we continued our participation as presenting sponsor and joined more than 150 people dressed in holiday outfits, at Delta Dental Stadium, to support the work of the Arthritis Foundation.
“All of the money goes to people with arthritis, children with arthritis, our camp programs,” explained Mary Nagel, Co-Chair of Jingle Bell Run. Something that changed this year was our ability to put together a national fundraising team that included Delta Dental member companies serving Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Wisconsin. It was exciting to see Delta Dental member companies partner to join us and raise funds for this important health initiative as they too share a belief that oral health is critical to overall health and wellness.
“Changes like this don’t come without the funding that events like this lead to,” expressed Dr. Niel Dion of Concord Orthopedics. And so far, these changes have paved the way for Jingle Bell Run New Hampshire to raise an incredible $49,324, exceeding its initial $30,000 goal by more than $19,000. With 170 participants registered, we had 16 teams signed up to take action. Not to mention our Teen Honoree, Ella Souza, and her team, “Team Souza” raised $9,517 and our Medical Honoree, Dr. Neil Dion, and his team “Concord Orthopedics” raised $3,683.
“Arthritis is a disease that touches so many lives. With 1 in 4 people in New Hampshire living with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, you are truly impacting so many people’s lives for the better. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without you. It was truly so inspiring to hear stories about how the Arthritis Foundation has helped families in New Hampshire and throughout Northern New England make a difference by providing resources and hope!” enthused Julia Moore, Associate Director – New England Arthritis Foundation.
Together, Northeast Delta Dental and its friends helped the Arthritis Foundation raise additional support for 54 million people living with arthritis. Together we can continue persevering in finding a cure. Arthritis warriors know: When we fight our battles, we’re stronger together. Connecting with others can be a source of strength and help us achieve those everyday victories — big and small. That’s how it was for Lisa Bloom. Having battled arthritis all her life, she felt isolated … like she was the only one. But then she connected with other arthritis warriors through the Arthritis Foundation. “It’s been really helpful to connect with other people. I feel like I’m not alone.”
Click here to view some nice coverage from WMUR. Learn more about Jingle Bell Run New Hampshire here and consider donating to change a life.
