JDRF, Oregon/SW Washington Chapter’s Sold-Out Gala Raises Over $475,000 to Fight Diabetes

Portland, May 5th. The theme for the JDRF,Oregon/SW Washington Chapter gala was, The Greatest Cause on Earth. One highlight of the evening was the “Living and Giving Award” presention to Wayne and Julie Drinkward. Gala co-chairs Larry & Suzanne Mackin and JDRF Chapter Board President Scott Burgess congratulated Julie & Wayne Drinkward. (Photo Credit, Duell Fisher for TPNW)

The gala at the Governor Hotel drew 540 people and, thanks to sponsors, had sold-out by the time the invitations were sent in February. Three moving “Fund A Cure” testimonials by Sarah Powell, Kevin Farleigh, and Rick Schultz spotlighted the purpose of the event: to raise money to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

The 2012 Hope Award was presented to DuPont Refinish and PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers).  The vintage circus theme was carried throughout the venue. Music was provided by The New Iberians and dinner entertainment was by Pendulum Aerial Arts.

The Mission of JDRF is:  to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research and also provide support for those living with type 1 diabetes  and their families. It is reported that 50% of diagnoses of type 1diabetes are now adults and 50% are children.  JDRF funds more diabetes research than any other organization in the world. Over $2.9 million in grants have been funded in the past years to researchers in Oregon.