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“A Season for a Cure” 

JDRF volunteers are coming together once again, led by 2010 Hope Gala Chairs Tom and Marianne Lamont, to present another spectacular event. This year’s Hope Gala will flash you back to “late December back in ‘63” with the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons sensational tribute show, “Oh What a Night!” at the Laredo Country Club on Friday, October 29, starting at 6:30 p.m.  

“We are honored to have been chosen this year’s Hope Gala Chairs,” said Tom and Marianne Lamont. “Please join us for an unforgettable evening while contributing to cure this debilitating disease. Juvenile Diabetes robs children of the simplicity of childhood.  The ‘best of the best’ minds and talents will cure this disease, but only with your help.”

On this incredible night, Gala guests will enjoy a fabulous dinner and fantastic live auction items, including: great getaway trips; fine Jewelry from Deutsch & Deutsch; paintings from local artists; Studio 55 Spa party package; incredible dinner packages; hunting trips, UT/A&M football tickets; and much more.  The Fund-A-Cure program/auction directly supports cutting edge medical research.  Additionally, this year, three local JDRF high school seniors, Selika Alvarado, Stacy Garza and Nicole Werstak, will be recognized and honored.  And of course, a sensational tribute show to the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons will be the amazing evening’s entertainment.  

Diabetes afflicts 1.7 million children and adults in Texas alone, many who live in Laredo. Funds raised from sponsorships and attendees at the annual Hope Gala will go towards research to find a CURE for this debilitating disease.  Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation portfolio of diabetes research is among the largest in the world focused on cures and better treatments for type 1diabetes and its complications. 

Laredoans never fail to show their desire to help worthy causes in our community. JDRF extends a special “Thank you!” to this year’s gala sponsors: Title Sponsor: Compass BBVA Bank, as well as other sponsors, Fernando Salinas Charitable Trust; The Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation; International Bank of Commerce’ Ramon Diez Barroso Family; Southern Distributing Co. Inc.; and Del Mar Mini Storage.

Tickets to the Gala are $150 per person. Sponsorships are still available in various categories starting with:

·         “Oh What A Night” level at $10, 000 or above;

·         “C’mon Marianne” level at $7,500;

·         “Let’s Hang On” at $5,000;

·         “Can’t Take my Eyes Off You” at $3,500;

·         and the “Who Loves You” Level  Sponsor at $2,000. 

 To purchase tickets or to come in as a sponsor for the event, call Letty Garcia at the JDRF office at 712-2900, Joyce Norton at 763-5721 or any committee member including: Jessica and Ramon Diez Barroso; Tad & Irma Deutsch; Nancy Blair; Veronica Castillon; Nancy DeAnda; Martha Gonzalez; Tom and Marianne Lamont; Les Norton; Allison Salido; Kiko Trevino; Alice and Bruce Werstak or Nando Zuniga.

 “Type 1 Diabetes is a serious condition that many people battle with on a daily basis,” said Ramon Diez-Barroso, JDRF Executive Committee Member.  “I was diagnosed when I was 20 yrs old, but thanks to the dedication and support of organizations like JDRF, I am a living testimony of how enjoyable life can be despite this illness. I am proud to be a part of the JDRF Laredo Chapter in its effort to raise awareness and financial support to find a cure for Diabetes”

 Today, people with type 1 diabetes rely on insulin to manage the disease.  But insulin is not a cure, not does it prevent the possibility of the disease’s devastating effects, which can include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, amputation and pregnancy complications.  JDRF is especially prevalent among Hispanics.

 JDRF directed nearly $101 million to such research in FY2009, bringing its total research funding to more than $1.4 billion since its founding in 1970. To ensure that it supports science with the greatest potential to produce results as soon as possible, JDRF has established a research review process that involves leading scientists from around the world, as well as lay reviewers who either have type 1 diabetes themselves or have family members with the disease.

 For more information, visit the JDRF web site at:  http://sctx-jdrf.org/laredo/