PanAmerican Seed, Beacon Impatiens present 2024 donation to National Multiple Sclerosis Society

PanAmerican Seed presented a donation check to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society during the organization’s local “Dinner of Champions” event Sept. 13 in Chicago, Illinois.

The $75,000 donation was made on behalf of PanAmerican Seed's Beacon Impatiens series of disease-resistant garden impatiens. The donation was the result of seed sales of the company’s Beacon series of Impatiens walleriana, monetary support through branded apparel sales and participation in BikeMS fundraising.

“Dinner of Champions” is an annual fundraising event of the MS Society that brings together supporters and people living with Multiple Sclerosis. The Chicago event was decorated with Beacon Impatiens tablescapes and supportive branded signage donated by PanAmerican Seed.

A featured speaker at the event was Todd Frauendorfer, treasurer for Ball Horticultural Company, whose life goal was to drive donations to $1 million over the course of his MS diagnosis. The involvement of Beacon Impatiens in 2024 helped him reach his goal, and the milestone was celebrated on stage.

“It was a privilege to be part of such an amazing night and especially to be a part of Todd’s journey all year long,” says Sarah Makiejus, global marketing manager for PanAmerican Seed. “It was a true team effort, and we continue to be pleased with the impact Beacon Impatiens has on the industry, as well as how its annual charitable giving continues to make a difference in so many lives.”

The vision of MS Society is a world free of MS, a disease of the central nervous system that affects 2.8 million people worldwide.

As the selected charity of Beacon Impatiens for 2024, money donated to the MS Society will shine a light on the organization’s efforts to find a cure and provide support, resources and information for those diagnosed to help live their best lives.

Beacon Impatiens is a series of Impatiens walleriana with proven high resistance to impatiens downy mildew.

As part of a dedicated mission to “shine the light,” PanAmerican Seed has committed to donating to a new charity each year. This is the fifth year for the annual charitable giveback for Beacon, and a new charitable partner will be announced soon for the 2025 sales season.

For more information, visit beaconimpatiens.com.