33rd Annual JDRF Chance of a Lifetime Gala

Thank you for supporting the 33rd Annual Chance of a Lifetime Gala! The evening was a huge step in funding a cure for T1D, but we still need your help. Fund A Cure is a perfect way to help us reach our goals.

JDRF Illinois proudly hosted nearly 1,800 guests at McCormick Place® Convention Center and Arie Crown Theater on Saturday, December 8th.  The evening began with what is widely considered the “largest and most exciting” silent auction is Chicago featuring hundreds of unique and exciting packages available for bidding.  Offerings included an assortment of grills provided by Weber-Stephen Products LLC, international and domestic travel packages, fabulous children’s items, as well as a robust sports memorabilia collection and much more!

Restarant.com once again sponsored the ever-popular Mystery Balloons, which as always, sold out before the silent auction ended! Thanks to our Youth Ambassadors for helping JDRF raise over $30,000 through the Mystery Balloons alone! We would also like to thank Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises for their generous JDRF Illinois chapter support.
As guests made their way up to the ballroom, they were greeted by a sparkling 2013 Ford Taurus SHO, provided by Ford, the Live Auction Sponsor.  Guests dined on a delicious fresh rushing River Trout and Grilled Ribeye, served with fingerling potatoes, braised fennel, and roasted red peppers and broccolini.

After dinner, guests made their way to the Arie Crown Theater for the much-anticipated program featuring the Live Auction, Fund A Cure and the amazing concert performed by Kool & The Gang featuring hits such as “Celebration” and “Ladies Night.”   One long-time Gala attendee enthusiastically indicated that JDRF should “get on the phones right now and hire Kool & The Gang again for next year; this was the best concert we’ve seen at a JDRF Gala.” 

Before the concert, Fund A Cure Family Chair, Tim Phair, spoke about his life with T1D and the role JDRF plays in his future.  While Fund A Cure has raised an impressive total so far, we still need your support!  Please consider donating to this 100% tax deductible program, which will benefit JDRF’s cure-focused research.