Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Gala
The Place: The David L. Lawrence Convention Center Spirit of Pittsburgh Ballroom, Downtown, Saturday night.
The Purpose: To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Promise Gala, “The Night You Help Turn Type One Into Type None,” and raise funds to combat Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes.
The Party: This year all the past honorees were recognized once again. Among those in attendance were Dr. Stanley Marks (with Nikol), Maureen Barunas, Ed Beachler (with Lois Wholey), David Burstin (with Barbara), Bill Caroselli (with Dusty Kirk), Craig Coleman (with his daughter Libby) and Anne German representing the late Rob German. The honorees socialized with 800 guests — the largest gala to date — during the Champagne reception. A long silver train worn by Las Vegas model Chanel Thorley was the living red carpet on which guests entered the party. A large silent auction had everyone circulating until the ballroom doors opened and the Twinkle Trees, which decorated the room, were revealed. “This is the first time they have been seen on the East Coast,” said gala co-chair Dr. Nancy Glynn (with Michael). “This event is about acknowledging where we have been and where we are going to keep our promise to find a cure,” she added. Her co-chair, Kim Trinkala (with Steve), agreed. The live auction and the Fund A Cure drive chaired by Nan DeTurk (with Steve) helped raise a record $1.6 million. Dinner and dancing to the music of the Elite Show Band rounded out the evening.
The People: Feeling hopeful were JDRF international president Derek Rapp, national director signature events Lynn Page, Northeast regional director Kelly Petti, Western Pennsylvania director Carol Yannuzzi (with Dave Neuhart), board president Barb Gray (with Les), corporate development chair Joe Dowd (with Cathy), Carol and John Oxenreiter, Ellen and David Lamar, Julie and Jason Lichtenstein, Frank Emmerling, K.P. Chopra with his daughter Izzy, Lynn and Geoff Tomb with their daughter Catie and Susan and D.J. Phillips.
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