Club Colton

Club Colton—Twin Cities, MN Step Out to Fight Diabetes

When they first attended an American Diabetes Association (ADA) walk in the spring of 2002, the Davis family had no idea that they would some day be the highest fund-raising family team in the nation—for three years in a row!

Colton Davis was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on his second to last day of kindergarten when he was just six years old. His babysitter was inspired by his daily struggle with diabetes and chose to learn more about the disease as her senior high school project. As a culmination to her project, she signed up for the ADA's walk event and invited Colton and his family to join her. This was just the beginning of Colton's involvement with the ADA.

In 2003, Colton's team grew into "Club Colton" with the addition of more family members and friends. He raised $600 to contribute to the ADA.

In 2005, Colton was chosen as the Statewide Ambassador for Minnesota's walk events. Club Colton expanded their fund-raising efforts with raffles, a silent auction and a dance. On the day of the walk, Club Colton arrived in a sea of orange and royal blue to denote their team membership. With the addition of corporate donations, Club Colton raised more than $75,000.

"We had no expectations that our fund raising would be as successful as it was," said Colton's mom, Kristi Davis. "I think so many people are affected by diabetes that they felt a connection and wanted to help."

A good portion of Club Colton's success has to be directly attributed to Colton, who approached fund raising for the walk with his usual outgoing attitude. "He loves talking to people," said Kristi. "He's a real go-getter."

Britt Guild, Associate Manager of the Twin Cities walk, was impressed with the dedication of the entire Davis family. "I am so appreciative of their involvement and their fund-raising efforts," she said. "It is an honor to work with them."

What's in store for Club Colton? Kristi Davis says her family is planning to participate in the inaugural Twin Cities Step Out to Fight Diabetes event in 2007, and they are eager to beat their previous fund-raising total. "We don't know if we can top it, but we're going to try!"