The 2009 Hope for a Cure Gala was a success! Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and guests, the Gala raised $1.2 million for the Georgia Chapter. Held on Saturday, May 9 at the InterContinental Buckhead, the Gala hosted more than 650 guests, all working together to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and a silent auction followed by a seated dinner, live auction and interludes of video presentations on Getting Diabetes, Getting Along with Diabetes and Getting Rid of Diabetes. Live auction highlights included an incredible private home in Hawaii, a week in the south of France with Jenny Levison of Atlanta’s Souper Jenny as your personal chef, and an Over the Top Party for 50 people put on by A Legendary Event and Barbara Roos.

Barbara Roos presented her family’s story as part of the evening which JDRF calls Fund a Cure. She spoke about her daughter‘s complications with diabetes that ultimately led to her death. It has been 12 years since her daughter passed away and h er passion for finding a cure for the disease is still fueled by a sincere hope of preventing others from having to cope with the tragedy her family went through. With her moving presentation, and with incredible conviction, Barbara was able to inspire the audience to contribute and give directly to diabetes research -- raising over $550,000 with this single auction item.

JDRF was pleased to recognize Andrea and John Pruitt as the 2009 Living & Giving Award recipient for their generous and longstanding contributions and support to JDRF, both on a local and national level.

This very special evening would not have been possible without the incredible support of our Presenting Sponsors: Delta Air Lines, Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group and Melvin S. Roos & Co., Inc.

JDRF funding and leadership is associated with the most major scientific breakthroughs in type 1 research to date , such as the artificial pancreas project. Because of its focus on a cure , JDRF funds research with the greatest impact throughout the world , leading to results as soon as possible. 

We could not have asked for more and on behalf of the JDRF Georgia Chapter staff, volunteers and Board of Directors - we thank everyone who contributed to the 2009 Hope for a Cure Gala, allowing us to advance that much closer to a cure.

To view the gala presentation videos please visit
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=66C5045FC06943D4

Andrea and John Pruitt	Junior Ambassadors	Gala Bidding	Silent Auction Tent