parties

At Surprise-Filled Gala, JDRF Raises Nearly $2 Million More Than Goal to Fight Type 1 Diabetes

At Surprise-Filled Gala, JDRF Raises Nearly $2 Million More Than Goal to Fight Type 1 Diabetes

Natasha and Graydon Oliver (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

WHEN JDRF, THE leading global organization focused on researching type 1 diabetes, finally held its slickly produced Promise Ball with its “Day in the Life” theme after a two-year Covid break, it had high expectations. It set a fundraising goal of $2 million — which, it turns out, was all wrong. Instead, with the help of chairs Amber and Clay Bretches, the organization had an eye-popping haul of $3.7 million!

At Downtown’s Hilton Americas, a lively cocktail hour featured aerial performance artists and, of course, guests dressed to the nines. Attendees then filed into the ballroom, which “resembled a beautiful garden,” explained a rep for event organizers, “with décor like stunning greenery arrangements, warm candlelight and fog that made it feel as if the room was filled with morning dew.”

Drew Dougherty, host of Texans TV, served as emcee, and welcomed folks to a dinner of grilled beef tenderloin and truffled potatoes, with chocolate opera cake and mango pineapple compote for dessert. “The program even conveniently included carb count, as individuals who live with type 1 diabetes must count every carb consumed to ensure best possible control of their blood sugars,” noted the rep.

The emotional evening included recognition of honorees Freyja and Travis Lauritsen, whose daughter was diagnosed with diabetes as an infant — and a pair of surprise announcements of donations of $825,000 and $500,000 respectively. Other highlights included the adorable goldendoodle puppy offered as an auction item — and the gaming tables for after-dinner fun!

Mark and Jessica Stoner (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Gaming tables at the JDRF gala (photo by CJ Martin)

Jose and Jeanine Lozano, Kat and Kris Kindrick (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

William Hagans and Jance Acosta (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Shannon and Ernest Hunter (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

On the dance floor at JDRF gala (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Meka and Kevin Coxon (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Robert Beaty, Gideon Perritt, Sarah Lever and Reese Lever (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Lesley Kargbo, Broderick Hicks and Ron Aladeniyi (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Clay and Amber Bretches, Freyja and Travis Lauritsen (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Travis Torrence and Heath LaPray (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

James Poppell, Karen Gentry, Jordan Amis and Ben Amis (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

Embry and Robyn Canterbury, winners of the auction's goldendoodle puppy (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

JDRF ambassadors Grant, Benjamin, Grayson and Samuel (photo by CJ Martin)

JDRF ambassadors Bethany, Lucienne, Jenna and Lila (photo by CJ Martin)

Bassan and Sandy Lati (photo by Daniel Ortiz)

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Style
promoted

Consistent Focus on the Patient Is What Sets Montrose Med Spa Apart

Consistent Focus on the Patient Is What Sets Montrose Med Spa Apart

Owner Maricela Olivo and Montrose Med Spa

WHAT MAKES MONTROSE Med Spa stand apart from the competition? We set ourselves apart from the competition by being consistently focused on one thing: the patient. With that focus, we will succeed in a successful and healthy experience and loyalty to Montrose Med Spa. Staying true to our message of intentional wellness is a point of difference where I see other spas being unclear and distracted in their direction. By listening to our patients, we ensure we meet and exceed their expectations. We continually stay on top of the market by offering the best innovative body sculpting and skin treatments that invigorate and energize and are specifically designed to restore balance and strength and renew youth to the body. We also utilize a number of marketing programs to stay on the minds of our guests, including radio, TV, direct mail, email blasts, and unique invitations for exclusive treatments. One element that helps to establish the bar and sets us apart from our competition is our emphasis on providing a complete medical gym experience—from the varied treatments with Emsculpt Neo to a personalized health and wellness and skin evaluation for each individual by our certified staff. We also provide a noninvasive, pain-free, and needle-free facelift through EMFace in addition to offering monthly beauty memberships that create a commitment to the overall wellbeing of the patient.

Keep Reading Show less
food news

Save a Buck: Fall for These New Golden Hour Food and Drink Deals

Októ cocktails (photo by Becca Wright)

UPTOWN, DOWNTOWN, GALLERIA, Heights, Bellaire or Montrose — wherever you are, here’s where to take the edge off a long day with gently priced eats and drinks. We threw in a suggestion for safe discounted rides, too. Cheers!

Keep Reading Show less
Food
parties

Astros Altuve, Tucker and Hader Host Major League Fundraiser for Kids, Pets and Other Causes

Daniel Ortiz and Jacob Power

Nancy and Mauricio Dubon

AN ANNUAL EVENT to raise funds for some of the top Astros players’ favorite causes was a glam slam, thanks to a new venue and major league star power.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties