Sports Themed Fundraiser Scores Big

The Promise Ball passes $1 million mark for JDRF

PHOENIX, Ariz. - While more than 700 guests rocked to the sounds of The Commodores Saturday evening, Jan. 24, at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., they helped “Imagine Victory” for the Desert Southwest Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to raise money for research to find a cure for Type-1 diabetes and its complications.

This year’s ball, “Imagine Victory,” co-chaired by Danielle Werstler and Steffani Meyers, did just that, raising $1.1 million. Fifty-six percent of those in attendance made donations to fund-a-cure-an 11 percent increase compared to the previous year. This year’s fundraising effort to support JDRF will specifically go to research towards JDRF’s Cure Therapeutic, regeneration, which focuses on triggering the body to regrow insulin-producing beta cells.

“There are only a handful of galas in the Valley that raise over one million dollars, and JDRF has consistently achieved this goal over the last decade,” stated Becky Jackson, executive director of the Desert Southwest Chapter of JDRF. “To have another million dollar gala this year in this dark economic climate is a testament to the sincere dedication of our supporters to our goal of finding a cure for diabetes.”

The sports themed gala, with elegant décor and ballpark style hors d’oeuvres set the event’s upbeat tone and honored John Junker, president and CEO of the Fiesta Bowl, as the Living and Giving Honoree. Alexi Melvin, daughter of Diamondback’s manager Bob Melvin with wife, Kelley, was recognized as the Promise Light Honoree.

Live auction highlights included a trip to the Big Apple and private dinner with Geraldo Rivera, a trip to an 8,000 square foot vacation home in Denver, Col. with private jet transportation, and a stunning $90,000 diamond cuff bracelet by Bijou of Scottsdale. The highlight of the evening was a once-in-a-lifetime on-stage serenade of “Three Times a Lady” by The Commodores, honoring Alexi Melvin, who has Type-1 diabetes. The package purchased by Chris and Hollis Volk also included an autographed guitar.

About The Promise Ball
Thirty-nine years ago, a small group of parents held the first JDRF fundraiser in the living room of Lee Ducat’s private home, raising almost $10,000. Over the years, they have been joined by parents, relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues dedicated to a cure through the commitment of raising money for research. The Promise Ball is now held in cities across the country and the world, raising millions of dollars to find a cure. The Phoenix Promise has raised nearly $13 million in the past nine years.

About the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
JDRF was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes-a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin-dependent for life and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since its inception, JDRF has provided nearly $1.3 billion to diabetes research worldwide. More than 80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education. JDRF’s mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information about the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, visit http://www.jdrf.org/

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Diabetes, fundraising, Health, JDRF, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Phoenix