Ask 25 members of the JDRF community why JDRF is important to them, you will receive 25 different, equally compelling answers. Why? Because JDRF means so much to so many people, from newly diagnosed families to those whose families have been involved with JDRF since its inception 50 years ago. JDRF makes individuals and families strong by giving hope, inspiration, and knowledge, and by empowering, challenging, and offering us the support of a second family. The JDRF community mentors newly diagnosed families, supports government affairs initiatives (funding diabetes research, insulin affordability, and coverage for pre-existing conditions), grows and sustains the JDRF community, raises awareness of JDRF, and funds research.

The current pandemic has tested the JDRF’s strength on many levels.  In an effort to protect our community, JDRF has cancelled or reimagined all in-person events through June 30, knowing that 100 fundraisers, with anticipated revenues of $90 million, would be impacted.  With 70 human clinical trials and JDRF operating budgets at risk, this decision demonstrated strength, so too does the response that it elicited. The JDRF New England staff reimagined TypeOneNation, a free educational event for 800 people, into a series of weekly webinars running through June. Newly diagnosed families are receiving Bags of Hope and T1D Care Kits in the mail until home visits from volunteers are possible. Boston Marathon runners will continue training until September, and the Dad’s Trek and the 38th annual One Night Gala both transitioned to virtual events.

Working together under challenging circumstances, the Gala Committee and Corporate Development Committee have reimagined One Night, procured donations, and solicited sponsorships and underwriting while exhibiting sensitivity to the economic and personal challenges facing our supporters and community.

We invite you to join us on Saturday, May 9 at 7 p.m. for our 38th Annual JDRF Boston Gala—One Night Virtual Auction and Program. Learn about JDRF, hear the experiences of five young people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and take a virtual tour of Nancy Jones Diabetes Champion Award recipient Dr. Kevan Herold’s labs and hear about his exciting discoveries.

Golf, catered dinners, restaurant gift certificates, sports memorabilia, tickets, unique opportunities, art, jewelry, wine, liquor, health and beauty items/services, vacations, and concerts will all be available in the silent auction, which is open from Thursday, May 7 through Saturday, May 9.

We are also pleased to share a $50,000 challenge match!  For every dollar that is generously given to our Fund A Cure during the time frame of the Virtual Auction, your gift will be doubled to support T1D research. Every donation will be 100% tax deductible and will be helping us get one step closer to a cure.

JDRF 2020 Gala Committee and Corporate Development Committee:

Be the Momentum. Be the Progress. Be the Cure…by visiting https://jdrf-ne.org/galaauction2020!

Thank you,
Jaleen Siekman
JDRF New England Chapter Board Member and Gala Committee Chair