JDRF Promise Gala Raises Record $945,000!

(Omaha, Nebraska) JDRF raised $945,000 for research to find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) at their 18th Annual Promise Gala – “Rockin’ for a Cure.” On Saturday, February 28th more than 730 guests enjoyed a night of fun and excitement with Honorary Chairs, Alison and Dan O’Neill and Event Chairs, Rebecca and Brinker Harding, Lori and Jeff Moehn, and Dana and Jess Zeiss at the CenturyLink Center Omaha. First National Bank was the presenting sponsor of the 18th Annual JDRF Promise Gala.

The evening began with a silent auction featuring several unique and exciting packages. The program was kicked off by radio personality, Nikki Boulay, who served as the Evening Host. After the silent auction, guests moved into the ballroom and enjoyed a meal complete with baby Arcadian greens, herb marinated flatiron steak, potato hash, and dessert.

Bidding was intense for the evening’s live auction, including a trip to the Master’s which sold for $18,000. The evening’s special guest, Bret Michaels, entertained the crowd by singing an acoustic version of “Every Rose has its Thorn.” Michaels also donated a live auction package for VIP tickets to his next concert and an autographed guitar which sold three times for $30,000 each.

Following the live auction, the Fund A Cure video presentation featured the Drew and Sandra Fossum family, as they shared their personal story. Their daughter, Christina, was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 11. Their compelling story helped to raise more than $465,000 in Fund A Cure* alone.

Following the Program, guests enjoyed an after party featuring Finest Hour band.

*Fund A Cure is a unique opportunity to make a 100% tax deductible gift to fund JDRF’s outstanding researchers and scientists.