Imagine Gala nets $600K for diabetes
It wasn’t just any printed menu.
The menu at the annual JDRF Imagine Gala — held April 21 in the Grand Ballroom of the Little Rock Marriott as a benefit for the Arkansas Chapter of the organization once known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation — came with red markings. Items were circled, underlined, put in brackets, with “notes to self.” About that Roasted Potato Croquette: “Seems like the rest of the plate is safe … but this looks worth it!” The desserts? “There is dancing after this, right?” And, at the bottom: “Do I give myself a shot at the table or excuse myself?”
It was a fun, yet sobering way to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes. The event, which drew a crowd of more than 500, honored Christy and William Clark and Clark Contractors with the JDRF Living & Giving Award for their involvement with the foundation chapter.
Sarah and Stephen Lane co-chaired the gala, which began as guests considered a bevy of silent- and super-silent-auction items before sitting down to dinner and a program steered by Jancey Sheats. Michael Manley, board president-elect, shared a bit of his own journey with Type 1 diabetes and made presentations to the Lanes and the Clarks.
Highlighting an extensive live auction was a female, long-haired, miniature dappled dachshund puppy that drew a whopping $10,000. Charles Morgan made the winning bid, helping bring event proceeds to more than $600,000. Following was a fund-a-cure segment, introduced via a video featuring older adults as well as youngsters with Type 1.
The biggest highlight was the sight of the young JDRF Ambassadors, for whom it was all worth it. Introduced onstage during the program, they spent the evening just being kids … running, playing and getting down on the dance floor post-program.
High Profile on 04/29/2018
Published at Sun, 29 Apr 2018 07:18:45 +0000
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