Seattle Laces Up to Beat the Bridge and Diabetes

SEATTLE, May 15, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

On Sunday, May 15, thousands of runners, walkers and all manner of fleet footed fundraisers in the fight against diabetes gathered at University of Washington's Husky Stadium to participate in the 29th Annual Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes event which benefits the Northwest chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Contributions from Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes are expected to exceed $1.3 million for diabetes research this year; raising more than $10 million since its inception in 1983.

"JDRF is immensely appreciative of the support and participation of the community," said Nadine Heichel, Executive Director, JDRF Northwest Chapter. "The commitment of the community enables us to accelerate research to find a cure for diabetes. Insulin is not a cure, merely life support for the estimated 3 million Americans suffering from type-1 diabetes and its complications. Research is the only answer."

The Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes competitive 8K is the fourth largest 8K race in the country. Non-competitive events included a Four-mile Family Walk, a One-Mile Fun Run and a Diaper Derby which provided fun for the entire family. Spectators were invited to participate in a variety of activities and entertainment. Approximately 1,000 Nordstrom employees and JDRF supporters will volunteer over 5,000 hours this year for the Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes events.

Proceeds from Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes, including registration fees and pledges, benefit the Northwest chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Pledges for this year's event will be accepted through June 11 for prize eligibility. Major sponsors of the 2011 event include: Nordstrom, UPS, Dick's Sporting Goods, Brooks, Wells Fargo, Group Health, Safeco Insurance, KOMO 4 TV and KOMO 1000 Radio. For more information, please visit www.beatthebridge.org.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the world's leading nonprofit, nongovernmental funder of diabetes research, was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with type 1 diabetes--a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. JDRF contributes more money directly to diabetes research than any other non-governmental health agency in the world. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. The Northwest chapter serves people in Washington, Montana, and Alaska through advocacy efforts, online support and resources, educational events, research updates, fundraisers, and Northwest diabetes resources. For more information, please visit www.jdrfnorthwest.org, call (800) 925-5533 or e-mail jdrfnorthwest@jdrf.org.

Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, with 212 stores located in 29 states. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 116 full-line stores, 93 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques and one clearance store. Nordstrom serves customers through its online presence at Nordstrom.com and through its catalogs. Nordstrom also operates in the online private sale marketplace through its subsidiary HauteLook. Nordstrom, Inc.'s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20001011/NORDLOGO )

CONTACT: Kendall Ault
Nordstrom, Inc.
(206) 373-3031

SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.