Throughout the past month, Evans and several other city employees have helped to create diabetes awareness within the community. By sponsoring fundraisers and participating in Saturday’s Step Out to Fight Diabetes walk through downtown Lansing, they’ve raised more than $2,300 for the American Diabetes Association.

“I thought the goal seemed insurmountable at first,” said Evans of the group’s initial $2,000 quota. “Once our co-workers got into it and with the help of our fundraisers, we were able to meet our goal.”

Known as Step Out East Lansing and comprised of 20 city employees and family members, the team put together three fundraisers that provided a portion of the financial backing.

The first, a jeans day, raised $200, and two root beer float fundraisers generated a combined $245.

“I’ve been amazed how easy it’s been to raise a substantial amount of money. People have been very generous,” said Marie McKenna, team captain and assistant to the city manager.

The team assembled root beer floats at East Lansing City Hall on Wednesday and at the Hannah Community Center on Thursday as customers stopped by to make small donations.

Personal experience with the disease was a common factor among those on the team.

“I have diabetes in my family, so when I found out that the city manager’s office and other folks at City Hall were going to put together a team, I figured it was a good thing for my wife and I to do,” said East Lansing Councilmember Kevin Beard, a first-time walk participant.

City Manager Ted Staton is the event’s chairman and has been a diabetic for 30 years.

“There’s no cure, but with education, treatment and effective management, people can live long, healthy lives, and I’m a testimony to that,” Staton said.

Step Out East Lansing completed its contributions Saturday by participating in the 2.5-mile walk that began and ended at Oldsmobile Park in downtown Lansing. All proceeds went to the American Diabetes Association to be used for research, camps, programs and advocacy.

“Even though my grandfather’s passed on, there’s still someone else that can benefit,” Evans said.