The Passport to Greece; a one-way ticket to a cure gala organized by the JDRF South Jersey Chapter raised a record-breaking $555,000 at Adelphia’s in Deptford on April 13 to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications.
“We are grateful for the incredible support of community and business leaders here in South Jersey,” said Nanette Gerst, executive director of JDRF South Jersey Chapter. “The dollars raised at this year’s event will help lighten the burden on 1.25 million Americans with Type 1 diabetes and help us realize our vision of a world without T1D.”
This year, the South Jersey chapter was thrilled to be honoring long-time JDRF supporters, Thomas and Lorraine Deeney and their children Jason and Nicole Bintliff, Jonathan and Jacquelyn Chain, Brian Deeney and Sarah Orfanos and Patricia Deeney. The Deeney family first became involved with JDRF more than 30 years ago when Brian was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) at 2-years-old. Since that time, they have been leaders in the fight to find a cure for T1D.
The evening had a warm welcome of friends and family bidding on silent auction items, dancing before dinner and ended with the signature JDRF Fund a Cure, a staple of the JDRF Gala Program. Guests raised their bid cards enthusiastically; knowing 100 percent of all tax-deductible contributions will fund research for JDRF’s most crucial research priorities.
Also being honored that night was Michelle Laranko, RN, CDE as the Distinguished Service Award Recipient. Laranko, who also has Type 1 diabetes, has dedicated her life to helping others understand and manage this disease.
More than 100 JDRF Galas take place each year in the United States, bringing together thousands of people who are inspired by JDRF’s mission. As a signature JDRF fundraising event, the JDRF Gala Program has raised over $1 billion for life-changing T1D research—research that has led to breakthrough discoveries, many of which have already moved into clinical trials and real-world testing. Although there has been considerable progress, there is so much more we have yet to accomplish.
“Thank you to the Deeney Family, the honoree committee, Cindy Kramer and Lori Reiner Rovins, Gala co-chairs and our dedicated volunteers for making this year’s gala such a success,” said Gerst. “Together, we will turn Type 1 into type none. Thank you!”
