Eleven-year-old Mackenzie Bronken may at first appear to be your average sixth grade student. But when asked about her passion for finding a cure to diabetes, you’ll find a motivated young girl who has no intention of giving up.
A year following her first fundraiser to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes, Mackenzie is inviting the community at large to join her continued efforts in combating the disease which currently affects approximately 3 million Americans, according to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
On Sept. 27, Mackenzie and her family will hold a drive-thru benefit dinner that will see all profits go directly towards the JDRF – a global organization funding Type 1 diabetes research.
“I really want to find a cure for diabetes,” said Mackenzie, who is a Type 1 diabetic herself. “This is something I want to do every year until a cure is found.”
Last year, Mackenzie began collecting donations and held a lemonade stand as a means to raise money for the annual JDRF Walk to Cure held in Sacramento. Altogether, Mackenzie raised $6,518, far surpassing her expectations.
“I didn’t think we would raise that much money,” said Mackenzie. “I was surprised and really thankful for everyone’s support.”
Taking notice of Mackenzie’s steadfast determination to help find a cure, local businesses and community members are joining her efforts by making generous donations to support her cause.
“The support and help from the community has been just great,” said Bob Bronken, Mackenzie’s father. “Tons of local businesses have made contributions and donations so far.”
The drive-thru dinner will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at Neto’s Restaurant & Catering, located at 1318 N. Golden State Blvd., in Turlock. Tickets are $15 each, and include a tri-tip or chicken dinner with cooked beans, a salad and dinner roll.
“I’m just floored that this many people have come to help out,” said Bronken. “It’s amazing. There are great people in Turlock.”
To purchase tickets prior to the event, call Bob Bronken at 604-5896.
