One Night One Mission
The annual JDRF Wisconsin Galas bring together the diabetes community for an unforgettable evening featuring an expansive silent auction, one-of-a-kind live auction, seated dinner, live entertainment, and a night of fundraising all in support of JDRF. Help us continue the power of progress and join us for this year’s event.
One Night, One Mission will embody the tradition and legacy of the wonderful JDRF Galas that will be hosted in three locations across Wisconsin. The Galas will provide guests with a memorable experience to engage in JDRF’s mission by sharing the incredible stories of our T1D families. Stories of inspiration, hope, perseverance, and support will be shared leading up to and on the evening of the event.
Together, we will strive to raise $1.3 MILLION!
Wisconsin Gala Facts
The JDRF Gala is our cornerstone event and largest fundraiser each year. Here are some facts about how we faired in 2023.
- More than 1085 guests attended.
- More than 85 local businesses supported us through a sponsorship that garnered more than $254,000
- Raised more than $268,190 in our silent and live auctions.
- And raised more than $1.2 Million dollars raised for T1D research.
Event Leadership
Erik Bilstad
Milwaukee Emcee
Read MoreErik Bilstad
Milwaukee Emcee
Erik Bilstad, a national Edward R. Murrow award winning journalist, can be heard on Wis. Morning News every weekday morning on Newsradio 620 WTMJ in Milwaukee.
Erik has lived with T1D since he was 7 years old. When it comes to being insulin dependent, he has experienced it all! He has seen the technology improve dramatically over the years, and credits the research being done by JDRF for making living with T1D so manageable. He is honored and proud to be part of the gala in 2023.
Erik, his wife, and three children reside in Menomonee Falls. They love to travel to warm destinations, watch their kids play soccer/baseball/piano/etc. and take their dog Remi on long hikes.
Otis Day
Appleton Emcee
Read MoreOtis Day
Appleton Emcee
Otis Day has been a longtime supporter of JDRF and is excited to be part of the JDRF Gala. Otis was diagnosed as a T1D in 1985, and his son Hudson was diagnosed in elementary school. JDRF is thrilled to welcome him back this year.
Otis has spent a quarter of a century broadcasting live on NE Wisconsin radio waves. He is now live on 95.9 KISS FM as one of the hosts of KISS FM Mornings from 5 a.m. – 9 a.m. each weekday.
As an advocate for JDRF Otis is thrilled to be invited back to host again this year. Otis says, “There is nothing in the world I am more passionate about in life than finding a cure for T1D, and that all starts with events like this.”
Diana Henry
Madison Emcee
Read MoreDiana Henry
Madison Emcee
While not having a personal connection, Diana Henry’s passion for finding better treatments and a cure for T1D goes beyond emceeing the gala over the years. In addition to receiving the 2015 Volunteer of the Year award, Diana has been involved in the Ride to Cure since 2012.
In her full-time role, Diana is director of public relations at Market Crafters. She assists a variety of agency clients with marketing, communication, and public relations needs.
Before joining Market Crafters, Diana spent more than a decade behind the anchor desk as a television news journalist in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
During her broadcast news career, Diana won numerous awards. Those honors include Associated Press awards, regional Emmy, and the prestigious Edward R. Murrow award for a documentary for her one-hour documentary featuring Wisconsin volunteers’ stories as they helped those devastated by the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
The Fronek Family
Madison Fund a Cure Family
Read MoreThe Fronek Family
Madison Fund a Cure Family
To learn more about the Fronek’s T1D journey, click here.
The Rowen Family
Milwaukee Fund a Cure Family
Read MoreThe Rowen Family
Milwaukee Fund a Cure Family
To learn more about the Rowen’s T1D journey, please click here.
The Pamperin-Sexauer Family
Appleton Fund a Cure Family
Read MoreThe Pamperin-Sexauer Family
Appleton Fund a Cure Family
To learn more about the Pamperin-Sexauer’s T1D journey, click here.
Event Location Details
Appleton
Venue:
33 W. College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911
Honoring:
Evening Highlights:
Silent Auction | Limited Exclusive Live Auction | Special Drawing | Fund A Cure
Schedule:
5:00pm – Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
6:30pm – Dinner
Guests will have the option of Filet of Sirloin & Salmon Duet, Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto or a Children’s Meal
7:15pm – Program, Live Auction, Fund A Cure & Entertainment to follow.
Entertainment:
The Cougars
Hotel Block:
Guests can reserve a room from our block of rooms at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley. To reserve a room, please call 920-733-8000 and mention the JDRF Wisconsin Gala block of rooms.
Please note the reservation cutoff date is Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
Madison
Venue:
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
1 John Nolen Drive Madison, WI 53703
Honoring:
Evening Highlights:
Silent Auction | Limited Exclusive Live Auction | Special Drawing | Fund A Cure
Schedule:
5:00pm – Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
6:30pm – Dinner
Guests will have the option of Green Pepper Sirloin with Roasted Garlic New Potatoes, Roasted Salmon with Mustard Dill Sauce and Mushroom Brown Rice Pilaf, Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Soubise Sauce, Blistered Tomatoes & Roasted Asparagus or a Children’s Meal
7:15pm – Program, Live Auction, Fund A Cure & Entertainment to follow.
Entertainment:
Piano Fondue
Hotel Block:
Guests can reserve a room from our block of rooms at the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace. To reserve a room online, click here.
Guests can also call Hilton reservations at 800-445-8667 or call the hotel directly 608-255-5100 and reference the group code: 90x
Please note the reservation cutoff date is Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
Milwaukee
Venue:
631 E. Chicago Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Honoring:
Evening Highlights:
Silent Auction | Limited Exclusive Live Auction | Special Drawing | Fund A Cure
Schedule:
5:00pm – Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
6:30pm – Dinner
Guests will have the option of Seared Sea Scallops & Braised Short Ribs, Soft Polenta with Stewed Tomatoes, Zucchini, Mushrooms & Arugula Salad or a Children’s Meal
7:15pm – Program, Live Auction, Fund A Cure & Entertainment to follow.
Entertainment:
FBI & The Untouchable Horns
Hotel Block:
Guests can reserve a room from our block of rooms at The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel. To reserve a room online, click here.
Please note the reservation cutoff date is Friday, February 2, 2024.