HOBART | Staff members and associates of St. Mary Medical Center are stepping up their fundraising efforts in order to raise awareness as well as money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Approximately 18 million Americans suffer from diabetes, including millions of children with this life long disease. Through fundraising efforts, the research foundation will be able to continue its mission to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through research and studies.

Last year, hospital employees held several fundraising events with more than $13,000 in proceeds going to JDRF.

St. Mary Medical Center employees have new "fun"-raising ideas this year that are open to community participation.

On Tuesday, Max and Erma's restaurant at 8239 Georgia St. in Merrillville will donate 20 percent of lunch and dinner sales (including carry-outs) to JDRF with use of a special St. Mary Medical Center coupon. Contact hospital fundraiser coordinators Dee Bedella at (219) 947-6607 or Jo Toigo at (219) 947-6172 to acquire a restaurant coupon.

Summer-fun JDRF discount tickets will be honored Sept. 6 at Zao Island on U.S. 30 in Valparaiso. The attraction has two miniature golf courses, live baby alligators, batting cages, bumper cars, go-karts, bingo, bean bag toss, food concessions and more available. Special family discount package rates are available for use Sept. 6 and can be obtained through hospital fundraiser coordinators Bedella and Toigo.

Everyone is invited to an old-fashioned softball game beginning at 1 p.m. Sept. 20 at Hillman Park on Old Ridge Road in Hobart. St. Mary Medical Center's employee team, called the Saints, will step up to the plate for JDRF and challenge the Blue Lines team made up of Indiana State troopers and local police officers. A picnic lunch will be available for purchase and includes hot dogs, hamburgers, corn and soda pop, with a 50/50 drawing also planned. Contact Bedella or Toigo for more information regarding participation in any of the JDRF fundraising events.

- For The Times