Since its industry debut in 2020, each year PanAmerican Seed® donates a percentage of proceeds from Beacon® Impatiens to a new charity. So far, the company has donated $290,000 (USD) to seven charitable organizations.
Last fall, the sales of Beacon Impatiens seed shined the light on the fight against Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a degenerative neuro-muscular disorder affecting one in 40,000 people worldwide. Two FA research organizations – the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA US) and the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Association (fara Australia) – received donations totaling $72,164 (USD).
The check presentation for the U.S. took place on November 4 before an end-of-year “rideATAXIA” fundraising event near Dallas, Texas. PanAmerican Seed Regional Account Manager Steven Engel presented the donation to Kyle Bryant, founder and director of the bicycle-ride fundraiser for CureFA.org: “When Steven announced the number and held out the check, I saw jaws drop, and there were definitely a few tears shed. With the donation and support from Beacon Impatiens, we reached our fundraising goal for rideATAXIA Dallas. It was a wonderful way to end the year!”
For the 2024 gardening season, PanAmerican Seed will partner with the local chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to support their fundraising efforts and help fight a disease that affects 2.8 million persons worldwide. “Every day the National MS Society is driven by its mission that ‘We will cure MS while empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives’,” says Cyndi Zagieboylo, President and CEO of the National MS Society. “We are grateful for PanAmerican Seed’s partnership in this effort.”
“This year, PanAmerican Seed couldn’t pass up the opportunity to act hyper-locally for the chance to impact awareness and assistance for a disease known worldwide,” says Sarah Makiejus, Global Marketing Manager for PanAmerican Seed. “We all know someone who’s received a life-changing diagnosis, and our 2024 MS charity choice comes with a personal connection. Now, through colorful gardens around the world, plus active participation in local fundraising events, Beacon is ready to join the fight against MS to help make a difference.”
Beacon Impatiens, a series of I. walleriana with proven high resistance to Impatiens downy mildew, brings flower-filled enjoyment back to shade gardens everywhere. As part of a dedicated mission to “shine the light,” PanAmerican Seed has committed to donating a percentage of its global seed sales to a new charity each year.
For more information:
PanAmerican Seed
www.panamseed.com
Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance 
www.curefa.org
Friedreich Ataxia Research Association
www.fara.org.au
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
www.nationalmssociety.org
