Several years ago, Great Harvest lost a beloved friend and former bakery owner to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Mauri Booton taught us to embrace everyday with courage and laughter. He was relentless in helping others facing cancer, raising funds for research and patient support, and sharing his love of life as a volunteer in the same facilities where he was treated.

In this spirit, we continue to support cancer research in various ways, including participation in the annual Team In Training marathons, which benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In addition, bakery ownersacross the country initiate or are involved with other local and national organizations, whose mission is eradicating cancer and/or supporting cancervictims and their families.

Seeing someone struggle for life when diabetes strikes is a startling way to face the harsh realities of the disease. Mike Young, owner of the Jackson, MS Great Harvest, vividly recalls a day in the bakery five years ago when one of his employees, Rose (pictured below), began to feel bad and was acting strange. No one was sure what was going on. But the next two customers in the door happened to be from the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi and recognized her symptoms as a diabetic stroke. Mike closed the bakery and rushed Rose to the hospital.

"Having these folks walk in at that exact moment probably saved Rose's life," Mike said. "And, that is something you just don't forget. I wanted to do something to help with the great work these wonderful people do. So we launched 'Buy a Loaf, Save a Life', an event with 100% of the sales for an entire day going to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi."

Mary Fortune, Executive Director of the foundation said, "When Mike approached me about doing a bread day for the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, not only was I thrilled, but knew with his expertise and our combined passion, it was going to be a winner. 'Buy a Loaf, Save a Life' became our mantra for the cause of fighting diabetes in a state that leads the nation in the prevalence of the disease."

The 2005 event was a success raising $2,750. 'Buy a Loaf, Save a Life' is now an annual event and over the past five years the collaboration has raised over $16,000. These funds stay in Mississippi and help to support a variety of programs including helping kids attend - Camp Cando - where they learn they can truly have a normal life while still controlling the disease. "Some kids can't afford to go and part of the money we raise goes to help these kids attend," Mike added. "Other programs include education in schools for the children, staff and teachers. When Katrina struck, the foundation was there with diabetic supplies for those who had no other way to get their medications."

For Mike and his staff, the effort to support diabetes education is ongoing. They participate in the Mississippi Diabetes Super Conference where the newest treatments are discussed and provide baked goods for the non-profit day in the Mississippi legislature. "So many people in all age ranges are affected by this disease. We want to do whatever we can to help."

Mary added, "Mike is a man with a big heart and a helping hand! His kindness and generosity have helped our patients in countless ways. His focus on helping a local charity, where tangible results are evident is a wonderful blessing to those we serve."