JDRF Hope Gala Raises Over $500,000 to Fund Diabetes Research

Portland, Or. Over 425 guests attended the 23rd JDRF Hope Gala at the Sentinel Hotel on May 5th.  The event was Chaired by Larry & Suzanne Mackin and raised over $500,000 to fund diabetes research. Each year at the Hope Gala, the JDRF Oregon/SW Washington Chapter presents the “Living and Giving Award” to individuals or a company who are outstanding philanthropists, not only to JDRF, but to our community at large. This honor recognizes those who stand out as exemplary leaders and who have, for a long time, set the standard for  “giving back” in many ways.     Honorees receiving the 2018 Hope Gala Living & Giving Award were Jay & Renee Haladay. They took time for a photo with Judy Summers, Executive Director, JDRF Oregon/SW Washington Chapter and Gary Haines, Board President, JDRF Oregon/SW Washington Chapter.

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 (T1D) diabetes research.   In the last twelve years, JDRF has funded over $6.7 million dollars in grants covering research taking place in Oregon.  

The Oregon/SW Washington Chapter provides support and resources to those newly diagnosed and their families as well as children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. These include Parent Coffee Groups, Children’s Art Group, T1D Adult Group, a TypeOne Nation Educational Summit, Connections Support Program, Adult and Teen Care Kits and the Bag of Hope Program for newly diagnosed children.