BUZZNET Exclusive: Jillian Rose Reed On Diabetes, Gives Away A Dress!

With the holiday season in full swing, there's no better way to celebrate the spirit of the season than with a little charity - and Jillian Rose Reed has an amazing one to recommend! The philanthropic Awkward star is working closely with the American Diabetes Association of Los Angeles and is giving away her gorgeous 2012 MTV Movie Awards dress in an online drawing to help benefit the cause. Buzznet had a chat with Jillian about the organization, how it hits close to home and reveals how YOU can win her dress!

Buzznet: Tell us a bit about the American Diabetes Association of Los Angeles.

Jillian Rose Reed: The American Diabetes Association is the leading association dedicated to the fight against diabetes. Here in LA, the chapter offers many ways to get involved, like Step Out Walks and other fundraising opportunities.

BN: How did you get involved in it? How does diabetes affect you?

JRR: My family got involved years ago when my older brother was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. As a family, we wanted to learn all that we could about diabetes and how to make Matt's life a little easier. I decided to choose ADA LA as my personal charity because I wanted to not only help find a cure for my brother, but for everyone else so has ever had to go through what he's gone through! 

BN: Why did you pick this particular dress (the 2012 MTV Movie Award dress) for the drawing?

JRR: This is one of my favorite dresses I've ever worn, and I wanted to donate something that was not only meaningful to me, but that I thought others would enjoy as well. By donating this (very awesome) dress, I'm hoping to get people my age involved with the ADA and also inspire them to get involved with a charity close to their own heart.

BN: Why is it important for people to support this cause?

JRR: The most important thing I like to stress is that through healthy living, diabetes can be prevented. Supporting the ADA is not only important for those who have diabetes, but also important so that we don’t see an increase in the number of people affected each year. We need to educate people, especially young people on the importance of a good diet and exercise. 

BN: How can people get involved with the charity?

JRR: If you want to get involved, I think a great first step would be my opportunity drawing for my BCBG Generation dress from the 2012 MTV Movie Awards! All you have to do is go to my fundraising page and make a general donation. The online minimum donation is $5, and believe me, every $5 counts! If you would like to donate more than that, than you have more opportunities to win. Each donation counts as your name being placed in the drawing. Not only is this a great way to do your part, but you also have a chance to win!!!

For more information on how you can get involved with Jillian's charity, visit the American Diabetes Association site.