DC and MD Hope Gala Successes!
DC Hope Gala:
The 14th Annual DC Hope Gala held November 1st, and Co-Chaired by Bob & Virginia Pommer and Thorn & Sharis Pozen, featured unique entertainment- an aerialist, jugglers and magicians and an exciting live auction.
Perhaps the most touching moments of the night came during Fund A Cure when a video produced by Hager Sharp, featuring teens with T1D, was played, followed up by father and daughter duo Todd and Samantha Gibby.
All of these factors translated into success- the Gala is projected to have raised well over its $1,465,500 goal, making it the highest earning DC Hope Gala in history!
Honored at the Gala was Dr. Kenneth Moritsugu, former Acting Surgeon General of the United States and Past Worldwide Chairman of the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institutes.
The program also featured the inaugural presentation of the Rapaport Lifetime Service Award to the Rapaport family. JDRF extends a special thank you to all who played a part in the Gala, including Annual Partners: The Meltzer Group and NB&C. Hope Sponsors: Clark Construction and PhRMA. Dream Sponsors: Blackbird Technologies, Crescent Hotels & Resorts, Kirkland & Ellis and the Rapaport Family, as well as all Wish and Inspiration Sponsors. JDRF would also like to thank all guests, volunteers and auction donors- the evening would not have been possible without you.
Maryland Hope Gala:
The 27th Annual MD Hope Gala held November 15th, chaired by Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Fran Davis, featured unique silent and live auctions, and entertainment at the end of the night by DJ Kopec. Perhaps the most touching moments of the night came from our two speakers, Ryan Weir & Aileen Grabell.
Ryan, age 29 and involved with JDRF since childhood, was just diagnosed with T1D last December and Aileen has a son who was diagnosed at the age of 18 months. Two drastically different stories with the same message – hope.
All of these factors translated into the success of the event- to date, we have raised $700,000 ($160,000 over just last year) and hoping to reach $750,000 – making it the highest earning MD Hope Gala in history!
Honored at the Gala was Robert A. Chrencik, President and Chief Executive Officer of University of Maryland Medical System. As well as, our Stars of Hope, Ryan Sysko, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WellDoc and Suzanne Sysko Clough, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of WellDoc.
JDRF extends a special thank you to all who played a part in the Gala, including Annual Partners, NB&C, the Meltzer Group and Rosedale Federal. Our presenting sponsors: University of Maryland Medical System and University of Maryland School of Medicine. Our Dream Sponsors: M&T Bank, Whiting-Turner Construction Company and The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl. Our Wish Sponsors: PNC Bank, NB&C, Transamerica, Aegon, Drinker Biddle and Reath, Johns Hopkins Medicine, United Healthcare, WellDoc and Greenebaum Enterprises, and our Promise Sponsors. JDRF would also like to thank all guests, volunteers and auction donors- the evening would not have been possible without you.