As part of an ongoing commitment to its charitable partner, Moe’s Southwest Grill, thefast-casual Mexican restaurant known for its southwest fare and engaging atmosphere, recently donated $100,000 to JDRF, whose mission is to find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications through the support of research.

Over the past year, Moe's Southwest Grill has partnered with JDRF to raise money on both a national and local level through franchise partner participation. As the leading charitable funder and advocate of T1D research worldwide, JDRF has awarded more than $1.6 billion to diabetes research since its founding in 1970, and is dedicated to curing, treating, and preventing the disease and its complications.

By donating a portion of Make it a Meal purchases, Moe’s was able to raise $100,000 nationally. In addition to monetary donations all year, Moe’s changed its iconic yellow cups to red and added messaging about JDRF’s mission and the partnership.

Complimenting the national push, several franchise partners locally hosted fundraising events, donated food, and sponsored walks.

In addition, Moe’s corporate associates formed a team for the Walk to Cure Diabetes in Atlantaon behalf of Nick Ronn, a high school lacrosse player who lives with T1D. With this single walk, Moe’s raised more than $12,500. 

Paul Damico, president of Moe’s Southwest Grill, presented a check for $100,000 to Carl Marks, JDRF Florida’s regional director, during halftime of the 2012 Moe’s Southwest Grill Sunshine Classic lacrosse tournament in Jacksonville, Florida. 

“We are thrilled to be a part of such an amazing foundation and are happy to help in any way possible,” Damico says. “Our franchise partners really went above and beyond with their local JDRF chapters. It’s a humbling experience to know that our efforts are going to help further the funding of the critical research needed for type 1 diabetes.”

To find out more about the fight against diabetes, visit www.moes.com or www.jdrf.org.