NEC & Community

GREAT STRIDES: Taking Steps to Cure Cystic Fibrosis

On May 9th, 2009, New England Controls Relay Team “Fuda Booch” hit the pavement at Roger Williams State Park in Providence, RI in an effort to raise money and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s GREAT STRIDES walk. Each year, GREAT STRIDES continues to gain momentum, as do the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s (CFF) research efforts and progress toward a cure. New England Controls is looking forward to participating again on May 8th, 2010.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a devastating genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and young adults in the United States. Research and care supported by the CFF is making a huge difference in extending the quality of life for those with CF. GREAT STRIDES is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest national fundraising event, and tens of thousands of co-workers, friends and families come together each year as one community for one cause; to help find a cure for CF. In 2009, nearly $35 million was raised to support vital CF programs, and thanks to team Fuda Booch members and New England Controls we raised $1,540 for the cause!

Cystic Fibrosis Facts:

• About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.
• More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two.
• More than 45% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older.
• The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is more than 37 years.

To learn more about Cystic Fibrosis and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, visit www.cff.org.

American Cancer Society: Relay For Life

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

At the Relay, each team camps out at Mansfield High School track,  taking turns participating throughout the 24-hour event. Since cancer never sleeps, neither do the participants by having at least 1 team member walking the track at all times. 

For the past 11 years, New England Controls and its employees have proudly sponsored this event by contributing over $65K in donations. In 2009, our team was able to achieve Silver status by raising more than $8K. In 2010, we again surpassed our previous efforts, raising over $10K in donations.

For more information about Relay For Life, please visit www.relayforlife.org.

America Cancer Society Facts:

• If Americans ate a healthy, balanced diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans that helped maintain a healthful weight, as many as one-third of all cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented.
• Relay For Life, which began in Tacoma, Washington. In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon
• International Relay For Life events are now held in communities spanning 19 countries outside of the United States.

Adopt-A-Family

Each year, New England Controls helps support a local family that could use a little help in making their holiday season bright. A small tree is placed in the lobby with gift tags indicating the items and ages of the children and parents. From there, New England Controls employees may select as many tags as they chose. All gifts are wrapped and given to our adopted family before the holidays.

New England Controls recognizes that the holidays can be especially difficult for many local families who are struggling due to job loss, illness, loss of a loved one, or any other circumstance. New England Controls hopes to bring as some much-needed holiday cheer in any way we can!

Giving Facts:

• 50% of all charitable giving by individuals and families is done between Thanksgiving day and New Year's.
• Donations to charitable causes in the United States reached an estimated $307 billion in 2008—an impressive figure, yet down 5.7% over the prior year.
• For just $1, food banks can provide nine pounds of food and grocery products to Americans facing hunger.