The 2018 JDRF One Party Gala will truly be a night to remember complete with live entertainment, gourmet food and enticing auction items. This annual fundraiser is a unique event bringing together dedicated supporters in a celebration of JDRF’s present accomplishments and future objectives. It also raises much-needed support for important medical research, allowing the organization to continue the fight to cure, treat, and prevent T1D.

Such a remarkable event would not be possible without Gala Chair Maribeth Eggleston.  Her hard work and dedication ensures the fundraiser’s continued success. Over the past two years, she has played an essential role ranging from acquiring auction items to growing our guest list. Maribeth’s work also includes securing sponsorships and donations from the local community, handling organizational details, and recruiting new members for the Gala Committee. One of her most notable contributions has been the addition of Hope Baskets to the silent auction.  Each personalized basket is created by a T1D or their family, featuring all of their favorite things.

Maribeth is excited to present the 2018 Gala’s new venue, the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Sacramento!  This modern, stylish hotel offers a larger setting for our growing audience and accommodations for guests that want to stay overnight.  The musical guest list includes Hipper than Hip, Northern California’s premier horn band. Maribeth is also particularly enthusiastic that this year’s silent auction will be conducted electronically through BidPal.  The online bidding system allows early access to guests and for those unable to attend, bidding opportunities from anywhere in the world!  For the best experience, participants should provide a 10-digit cell phone number to JDRF before April 20th.

Maribeth has found her service as Gala Chair to be an incredibly rewarding experience.  She shares it’s a way to support her son Logan and millions of other T1D’s by contributing to life-changing research. She encourages others to participate in this extraordinary fundraiser, “It’s an inspiring evening that reminds us all of the exceptional work JDRF is doing to advance research to improve the lives of people living with T1D. The amazing auction items are always fun to look through and if you have never been a part of the emotional and heartfelt Fund a Cure, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.”

We are grateful for Maribeth’s leadership and contributions to JDRF.  We hope to see you at the 2018 JDRF Gala!

Written by: Lorena Bergstrom