What: Dream Gala benefiting the Greater Dallas Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Where: Omni Dallas Hotel
The 411: The theme for this year's JDRF Dream Gala was "Champions for a Cure," and it couldn't have been more appropriate, as it honored Dallas Cowboys legend Cliff Harris. On hand to celebrate and recognize him were his fellow Cowboys champs (and event co-chairs and honorary chairs) Roger Staubach, Kelcy Warren, Gene Stallings, and Charlie Waters.
Emcees Drew Pearson and Fox 4 News anchor Steve Eagar kicked off the May 11 event by educating the crowd about JDRF and its mission to assist type 1 diabetes research and diminish the impact of the disease on people’s lives.
Amy Camp, executive director of the JDRF Dallas Chapter, told the crowd that JDRF works tirelessly to fulfill its mission every day. She emphasized that JDRF is "determined to turn type 1 into type none."
But the highlight of the night for the ballroom full of Cowboys fans was getting to hear from each of the chairs and honorary chairs about their special connection with honoree Harris. A poignant film detailed the Cowboys legend's story, and he then took the stage to share his personal relationship with diabetes and how it affected his family.
Although Harris does not have diabetes, his father did, he said. A former World War II fighter pilot, his dad was then diagnosed during a medical exam when he wanted to become a jet test pilot. The disease ended his career of flying in the Air Force. Harris said that knowing his dad wasn’t able to live out his dream pushed him even harder to make his own a reality.
While guests dined, 2019 Children’s Congress Delegates Nadia Stanback and Lexi Quilty shared their personal stories with type 1 diabetes. "The Children’s Congress Program allows more than 160 children living with T1D to meet face-to-face with some of the top decision-makers in the U.S. government and to help members of Congress understand what life with T1D is like and why research to fund life-changing therapies until a cure can be found is so critical," the organization says.
After dinner, bidding got spirited in a live auction for fabulous prizes, and guests danced the night away to the legendary group Three Dog Night.
This year’s gala raised more than $2 million, proceeds from which will benefit the JDRF Greater Dallas Chapter’s Fund a Cure to help type 1 diabetes research and diminish the impact of T1D on people’s lives. Since its inception, JDRF has funded more than $2 billion in research and has contributed to meaningful progress in understanding and fighting the disease.
Who: Erin Bladon, Drew Bladon, Amy Kennedy, Jason Kennedy, Amy Warren, Elle Paul, Scott Paul, Delegate Nadia Stanback, Isaiah Stanback, Mallory Eulberg, Chelsea McMullen, Courtney Bloom, Paige Crawford, Hilary Tabb, Mallory Geis, Karen Harris, Whitney Kutch, Elizabeth Bryant, Courtney De La Garza, Lesley Jordan, Allison Dooley, Derek Dooley, David Swaim, Alden Harris, Delisa Venz Blackwood, Lyle Blackwood, Everly Hammond, Gary Hammond, Elizabeth Roosevelt, Karen Harris, Kim Roosevelt, David Roosevelt, DD Lewis, Caroline Frederick, Heidi Frederick, Carson Frederick, Curtis Moore, Kathy Moore, Jim Beskar, and Erika Beskar.
David Swaim, Alden Harris
Fly By Midnight.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Carter Brown.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Landon Richie.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Liliana Villarreal, Kelley Robinson, Brandon Wolf, Dustin Vyers.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Cynt MarshallPhoto by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Jason Lamoreaux and Black Tie Dinner beneficiaries.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company