St. Louis Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation raises $900,000 at recent gala

May 11, 8:36 PMSt. Louis Diabetes ExaminerKaycee Connell

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The Metro St. Louis / Greater Missouri Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation raised an unprecedented $900,000 at their annual gala held on May 9.

Marie Davis, JDRF Executive Director said, "Thanks to a fabulous committee, board and staff who did all the right things at the right times, we had an event that pushed fundraising to an all new high for our chapter."

A humbled Arnold Donald, former President and CEO of JDRF International, was honored for his efforts and dedication to help accelerate the research toward finding a cure for diabetes. For more information on Arnold Donald, click here.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of the Diabetes Champion Award to Jim Weddle, Managing Partner of Edward Jones. Cheers of approval were given to co-chairs Laura Fraley and Connie Kurowski and honorary chair Doug Yaeger, Chairman and CEO of Laclede Gas, for such a successful gala.

A moving tribute was given in the memory of Tiffany Souers, a valued and missed JDRF volunteer. Her family received a standing ovation.

The 625 guests in attendance were treated to soulful music, spirited entertainment, and cajun cuisine in the New Orleans themed event. Entertainment included music from The Funky Butt Brass Band, emcee duties by KMOV-TV anchor and investigative reporter Russell Kinsaul, and the sounds of The Fabulous Motown Revue.

For more information on the Metro St. Louis / Greater Missouri chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and for other articles on the 2009 gala, click here.