Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation latest to hold virtual fundraiser gala
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Gone are the days — well at least they’re gone this spring — when people dress up to go festive galas, joining with family and friends for evening of food and drink, all for their favorite non-profit in need of money.
Instead, the typical galas are being replaced by virtual events in these times whenever there is the likelihood of 10 or more people are going to be gathered in the name of a good cause.
One organization that has made its gala a viral event is the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).
It will go online from noon Wednesday, May 13, through 9 p.m. Friday, May 15, to raise money to find a cure for type 1 diabetes — T1D.
While supporters can’t be there in person, there will be a silent auction featuring more than 50 items.
Proceeds will go toward research to treat, prevent and cure T1D. Last year’s event raised more than $1.5 million — which is believed to the region’s largest health care-related fundraiser.
Unity boy to deliver message
A special online program is planned for 7:30 p.m. Friday, when Ethan Stenger, an 11-year-old Mountain View Elementary School student in Unity, will give a special message. He is the son of Kara and Darren Stenger and is the brother of Claire.
Ethan has worked to find a cure for type 1 diabetes since he was diagnosed seven years ago, the juvenile diabetes foundation said.
“He has volunteered at every local JDRF event in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties over the recent years,” said Shannon Davis, senior development manager, for JDRF Western Pennsylvania. “His passion to find a cure is just incredible.”
Nish Vartanian, president of MSA Safety, is the Promise Gala’s corporate chair. Stefani Pashman, chief executive of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, will be honored for her dedication to JDRF’s vision of a world without T1D.
For more information, contact Shannon Davis at the Western Pennsylvania Chapter at 412-258-1320 or sdaivs@jdrf.org.
Registration information is available at: https://jdrf-westernpa.ejoinme.org/register.