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!