JDRF Rocky Mountain Dream Gala: What You Missed

The 2018 fundraiser was a smashing success

May 31, 2018

Kasey Harvey,

The 2018 JDRF Rocky Mountain Dream Gala fundraiser is on track to raise a record-breaking $825,000 for type 1 diabetes research in Denver.

This year’s “Clue to a Cure”-themed gala, held at the Westin Downtown Denver, was chaired by Meredith Coors and honored Dan Fisher, VP of Finance at Ball Corporation. Bryan Berkowitz served as corporate chair; Jason and Mindy Buehler, as Fund A Cure chairs; and Dick Cohen and Kathy Hughes, as auction chairs.

Guests enjoyed a reception with signature cocktails created and sponsored by Patron and had a first-look at the amazing silent auction items.

Master of ceremonies, Fox 31 News Meteorologist Greg Dutra, kicked off the program with a warm welcome highlighting JDRF’s efforts both locally and nationally to progressively remove the impact of type-1 diabetes from people’s lives. JDRF Rocky Mountain executive director Laura Rosseisen welcomed guests to the largest-attended gala in the Rocky Mountain chapter's history.

During the dessert course, Jeff Randall of Stokes Auction Group conducted a live auction. Bidding was fierce for fabulous items including a package with VIP 2019 Grammy and after party tickets, a weekend hunting trip at the Coors Family’s private ranch, an Australian vacation, a “Stock Your Bar” package complete with 26 bottles of Patron and spirits, a private estate-vacation in Priano, Italy and so much more.

The emotional high point of the night came during the "Fund A Cure" presentation and video, led by Jason & Mindy Buehler along with their daughter Addison. The Buehler’s spoke passionately about their journey through type 1 diabetes starting when Addison was diagnosed at the age of 5. They encouraged everyone to support the important mission of JDRF so that Addison, and millions of other people living with the disease, may see a cure for type 1 diabetes one day. Supporters around the room pledged donations at whatever amount they could afford.

At the end of the night, guests hit the dance floor as the band Rockslide played a mix of Motown, Jazz and Top 40 tracks to keep the crowd dancing until midnight. Smoker Friendly hosted a cigar bar, which was a popular spot for guests to take a break from dancing to mingle and celebrate.

The annual Dream Gala raises money to fund type-1 diabetes research, advocate for government support of research and new therapies, and connects and engages the diabetes community.