The American Diabetes Association Recognizes Team Spirit as Highest Fund-Raising Team Nationally

WICHITA, Kan., Jan. 13, 2016 /CNW/ -- Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE: SPR) was recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as the No. 1 highest single-site fundraising team in the nation for Tour de Cure in 2015, raising more than $161,000 for the nonprofit organization. Spirit President and CEO Larry Lawson chaired the 2015 Kansas cycling event and recruited more than 200 Team Spirit riders. Spirit also served as the event's 2015 signature sponsor and host. Sue Glass, ADA western division vice president, made the announcement at a breakfast for Tour de Cure executive leadership today.

"We surpassed our fundraising goal by almost $100,000," said Lawson. "I'm constantly amazed by how generous, active and involved our Spirit employees are in their local communities. By supporting the Tour de Cure, we help the ADA fulfill its mission to lead the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes."

The Tour de Cure is a series of fundraising events held in 44 states nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association. Last year, nearly 52,000 cyclists in 80 events raised over $26.6 million to support diabetes research, advocacy and education. Locally, funds raised also support Camp Discovery Diabetes for children. 

"The Tour de Cure events are a major source of funding for the American Diabetes Association," said Kevin Hagan, American Diabetes Association chief executive officer. "We're delighted that the top single site fundraising Tour De Cure team nationally was from Kansas. This money makes a significant impact for the communities we serve. We look forward to working with Team Spirit again in 2016."

The 2016 Tour de Cure event is scheduled for April 30 at Spirit AeroSystems, led by Meritrust Credit Union President and CEO James Nastars. In Kansas, approximately 180,000 people have been diagnosed with diabetes, while an additional 120,000 are undiagnosed. Nationally, nearly 8 percent of the population has diabetes, with someone new being diagnosed every 20 seconds. 

On the web: www.spiritaero.com and http://www.diabetes.org/ 
On Twitter: @SpiritAero

About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association conducts programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching hundreds of communities. 

About Spirit AeroSystems Inc.
Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world's largest independent producers of large aerostructures. Its core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components. Spirit has long-term agreements in place with its largest customers, Boeing and Airbus. Other customers include Bombardier, Rolls Royce, Mitsubishi, Sikorsky, and Bell Helicopter. Based in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit operates facilities in the U.S., U.K., France, and Malaysia. Spirit also provides aftermarket customer support, including MRO, spare parts, and engineering services in North America, Europe, and Asia.

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SOURCE American Diabetes Association

Charles Brown II, ADA Market Director, Kansas City & Kansas, [phone] x 6842, [email protected]; Fred Malley, [phone], [email protected], http://http://www.diabetes.org