More than $1.4 million was raised for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation during the 31st annual Promise Gala presented by its Western and Central Pennsylvania chapter at the Westin Pittsburgh hotel.
The money raised Saturday night goes to funding innovative research, advocating for government action and providing a support structure for people with Type 1 juvenile diabetes.
As most good parties do, this one began with a cocktail reception and a chance to browse the silent and live auction offerings. The theme for the evening was “Around the World.”
KDKA Radio’s Larry Richert acted as emcee, welcoming the 450 guests to an evening of giving for a good cause. Diane Holder, president and CEO of UPMC Health Plan, was this year’s honoree.
“I am very honored to be here,” she said. “JDRF is a tremendous leader in raising awareness about the impact of Type I diabetes and instrumental in helping to fund the research that will increase the opportunity to improve treatments and ultimately find a cure for those affected by this challenging condition.”
“There is no other individual I know of who is more dedicated to our region and to achieving our goals than our gala honoree and my friend,” the foundation’s corporate chair, Dusty Elias Kirk, said of Holder.
Kirk knows all too well the impact Type I diabetes can have on people.
“My involvement with JDRF began when my daughter, Jeannie, was diagnosed the day after Mother’s Day as a 6-year-old,” she recalled. “For 23 years we have been part of the JDRF family seeking a cure for this relentless disease.”
One of the highlights of the evening was a competitive live auction for an in-home dinner party package for 10 guests donated by Tim Komen of TK Event Studio. The package actually sold twice and raised $51,000 for JDRF.
Among those bidding and supporting the cause were Promise Gala host committee co-chairs Amber Shergill and Jodi Palamides, Dr. Stanley and Nikol Marks, David Malone with Amy Baron Brourman, Lori and John Galley, Susan and Neal Shipley, Abbey and Jake Ploeger, Maris and Rob Dauer, Pam and Steve Blanco, Christie and David Osterhaus, Dr. Joseph and Kate Aracri and Brittainy and C.J. Pascarella.
First Published: May 17, 2023, 9:30 a.m.