WEST CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, December 2023: PanAmerican Seed® is pleased to announce that, since its industry debut in 2020, the disease-resistant Beacon® Impatiens series has supported seven charitable organizations with monetary donations climbing over $290,000 (USD).
This fall, Beacon Impatiens shined the light on the fight against Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a degenerative neuro-muscular disorder affecting one in 40,000 people worldwide. Two FA research organizations – the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance and fara Australia – received donations totaling $72,164 (USD).
The check presentation for the U.S. took place November 4 before an end-of-year “rideATAXIA” fundraising event near Dallas, Texas. PanAmerican Seed Regional Account Manager Steven Engel presented the donation to Kyle Bryant, founder and director of the bicycle-ride fundraiser for CureFA.org, and an immediate impact was felt by the attendees.
“When Steven announced the number and held out the check, I saw jaws drop and there were definitely a few tears shed,” Bryant said. “With the donation and support from Beacon Impatiens we reached our fundraising goal for rideATAXIA Dallas. It was a perfect way to start-off the day, and a wonderful way to end the year!”
Symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia typically begin in childhood between the ages of 5 and 18. FA leads to loss of muscle coordination, fatigue, vision impairment, hearing loss and slurred speech, scoliosis, diabetes, and serious heart conditions. Both FA research organizations educate and engage families living with FA, and they pursue scientific research leading to treatments and cures for FA.
“PanAmerican Seed is thrilled to continue our charitable efforts through Beacon Impatiens. Gardener purchases are making a difference around the world,” says Sarah Makiejus, Global Marketing Manager for PanAmerican Seed. “Now entering our fifth year with Beacon Impatiens, we feel honored for the chance to give back in so many ways!”
Beacon Impatiens, a series of I. walleriana with proven high resistance to Impatiens downy mildew, brings flower-filled enjoyment back to shade gardens everywhere. As part of a dedicated mission to “shine the light,” PanAmerican Seed has committed to donating to a new charity each year.
A new partner will be announced soon for the 2024 sales season. Stay tuned for the announcement and for ways to promote and support this cause-marketing effort.
For more information about Beacon Impatiens, explore www.beaconimpatiens.com. Contact your preferred supplier for availability.
About the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance
The FARA (US) mission is to marshal and focus the resources and relationships needed to cure Friedreich’s ataxia by raising funds for research, promoting public awareness, and aligning scientists, patients, clinicians, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies and other organizations dedicated to curing FA and related diseases. FARA is a national, public, 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Learn more at www.curefa.org.
About fara Australia
At fara Australia, our Mission is to support the FA Community by raising funds for and aiding research into treatments and a cure for Friedreich’s ataxia. fara has contributed over $4.5 million to FA research in Australia and overseas since its inception in 2003. Learn more at www.fara.org.au.
About PanAmerican Seed
PanAmerican Seed is an internationally renowned breeder and producer of seed-raised flowers and vegetables based in West Chicago, IL, that produces high-quality and best-performing varieties. Research facilities in North and South America, the Pacific Rim and Europe enable us to test and evaluate new varieties under numerous climate conditions. Our state-of-the-art seed distribution center guarantees quick, efficient processing of orders for our worldwide customers. Visit www.panamseed.com for more information.
