On Dec. 14, the JDRF Illinois Chapter hosted its 40th Annual JDRF One Dream Gala at McCormick Place in Chicago. The event set a global record for JDRF by raising $7 million “to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications.” More than 100 JDRF Galas take place in the U.S. every year.
During the gala’s signature Fund A Cure program, the Lacher family (Joe, Marisue, Tommy, and Patrick) spoke to the more than 2,000 guests in attendance about living with T1D before a live auction. Fundraising Chair Glen Tullman donated $1 million — the largest Fund A Cure donation in JDRF Illinois history.
The event was emceed by NBC 5 Chicago’s Allison Rosati and Rob Stafford, and Third Eye Blind performed hits like “Semi-Charmed Life” and “Jumper.” Along with Tullman as Fundraising Chair, the gala was co-chaired by David and Carrie Carlson and Fund A Cure was co-chaired by Michael and Sarah Alter. Greg Wasson was the 2019 Honorary Corporate Chair.
The JDRF Illinois Chapter’s local corporate partners are Aldridge Electric, Allscripts, Capgemini, CIBC, Ford, Kemper Foundation, Land O’Frost, Launch!, Livongo, NBC Chicago, PureCircle, Sidley Austin Foundation, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, and Wasson Enterprise.
Anna Carlson writes the weekly Weekend 101 column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine, and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
