Mardia Gras Gala — February 25, 2017
Blair Type 1 Diabetes Foundation (BT1DF) held its first annual fundraiser, a Mardi Gras themed Gala, on February 25, 2017, at the Casino at Lakemont Park. The sold-out crowd enjoyed dinner, raffles, and an amazing silent auction.
The master of ceremonies for the evening was retired Col. Cedric Leighton, military analyst for CNN, who shared stories about the fall of the Berlin Wall to parenting a child with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
We were thrilled to have as our special guest, Miss Idaho 2014, Sierra Sandison, who touched everyone with her life story and how she has learned to overcome obstacles, including T1D. She was the first pageant girl to wear her insulin pump visibly on stage.
In the spring of 2017, BT1DF donated $24,000.00 to Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, MA, specifically designated for T1D cure-based research. Joslin is currently in the lead for the cure.
Thank you to all who came and/or supported this event. Visit our Facebook page to view images from this event!
The foundation received a heartfelt letter of appreciation from John A. Perry, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Joslin Diabetes Center.
On June 5, 2017, BT1DF was invited to Boston to tour the research facility at Joslin Diabetes Center and meet with one of the lead researchers, Stephan Kissler and President and CEO Dr. Amenta. Everyone who works at Joslin is as passionate as we are to find a cure for T1D. Thank you Joslin! It was an amazing visit!
