The 28th Annual Chance of a Lifetime Gala was a wonderful success and proved to be a most exciting evening. Held on December 8th at McCormick Place, the Gala was chaired by Karen Case and Rick Poulton and raised $2.7 million for diabetes research. The annual event welcomed nearly 2,000 guests, including Oscar-nominated actress, Virginia Madsen, and Bears star kicker, Robbie Gould, plus hundreds of volunteers who lent a hand in ensuring a seamless evening.
As guests arrived, they had the opportunity to take part in an impressive silent auction before enjoying dinner in McCormick’s Lakeside Ballroon. JDRF’s Youth Ambassadors mingled with the crowd, selling the always popular mystery balloons. The balloons were sold out before dinner began thanks to the hard work of the kids who helped.
After the meal, guests streamed into the Arie Crown Theater for an energetic live auction emceed by NBC 5’s Allison Rosati and Warner Saunders. Bidding was intense over the fabulous items offered, especially when Virginia Madsen and Robbie Gould each took the stage to help excite the crowd. Breaking the live auction record was the chance to sing with the Steve Miller Band, which raised $28,000!
JDRF supporters also had the opportunity to directly fund a ground-breaking area of research through Fund-A-Cure. Gala attendees gave generously to research in the area of complications after hearing heartfelt speeches by Terry and Mary Franke, and their daughter, Lizzie. An amazing $1 million was raised through Fund-A-Cure this year.
The evening was capped off by an energetic performance by Steve Miller Band, who allowed audience members to request their favorites and truly captured the spirit of this fabulous event. Thanks to all of our guests who shared in this spectacular evening!
Thanks once again to our sponsors: Allscripts, LaSalle Bank, Alberto Culver, Clayco, Dominick’s, Discover Financial Services LLC, NBC 5 Chicago, Williams/Gerard Productions, and American Airlines.
© JDRF 2004 - 2008
