D.R.E.a.M.S. in the city
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
[scroll down for photos]
The Eighth Annual D.R.E.a.M.S. in the city, which took place on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at The Pierre Hotel in Manhattan, may well have been the best one yet. This fabulous event, held at an iconic New York location and attended by more than 400 guests, raised more than $900,000 for the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI). Warmest thanks are extended to lead sponsors The Inserra Family and Jane Parker & Francis Cosentino.
D.R.E.a.M.S. was co-chaired by longtime event leaders Samantha Shanken Baker, Diane Cohen, Bonnie Inserra, and Meryl Lieberman. Lindsey Inserra chaired the Young Professionals’ group. Alan Kalter, famed voice of Late Show with David Letterman, brilliantly emceed D.R.E.a.M.S. for the fourth year in a row. The Jay Prince Band once again provided music that set the joint jumping.
Guests enjoyed cocktails and canapés in the posh Cotillion Room while bidding on the fabulous items offered at the Silent Auction table. They then moved to the grand Ballroom for dinner and the evening’s program. DRI Foundation National Board Chairman Harold Doran spoke of his involvement with the organization. He, like those whose speeches followed, knows all too well the insidious impact that diabetes has on family life, and he spoke frankly about his son’s battle with the disease.
Mr. Doran introduced the evening’s honoree, Kim Dickstein, and presented her with the Dare to Dream award for her longstanding and generous support of D.R.E.a.M.S. in the city. Year after year, Kim rallies her many friends and family members to support the event and they always respond enthusiastically and generously. This year was no different, as table after table in the Ballroom was filled with Kim’s admirers.
Kim accepted her award and spoke eloquently about how diabetes has made its presence felt in her family. Six relatives, spanning five generations, have been visited by diabetes; from her great-grandmother to her grandmother, mother, aunt, brother and niece. For Kim’s family, a cure cannot come soon enough. Kim and her family continue to believe in the DRI, and they are energized by the research progress being made (more to follow below.)
Dr. Camillo Ricordi, Director of the Diabetes Research Institute, then introduced the recipients of the evening’s Humanitarian award; the trustees of The Stacy Joy Goodman Memorial Foundation – Marc Goodman, Esther Goodman, Ken Shewer and Susan Winberg. The Foundation was created to honor the memory of Stacy Joy Goodman, an exuberant young woman who wanted to be a pediatrician and help others, but whose life tragically was cut short by diabetes in 1994 at the age of 17. Dr. Ricordi, who is the Stacy Joy Goodman Professor of Surgery at the DRI, said that he keeps Stacy’s picture on his desk, as a constant inspiration and daily reminder of the need for a cure.
A special tribute to Stacy was engineered by former classmates of hers at Friends Academy of Locust Valley, New York. A book of remembrances was presented to Stacy’s father, Marc, by alumnus Tom Pascarella. Marc, wife Esther, and son Matthew were visibly touched by this great kindness.
Marc spoke movingly on behalf of his family and friends, about the short, sweet life of Stacy Joy Goodman. He praised Esther, Matthew, Ken and Susan for their amazing support of him and of the Foundation. He indicated that, 19 years after Stacy’s passing, they still believe that the DRI is the best hope for a cure.
Guests then viewed a video of an exciting initiative known as the DRI BioHub. Afterwards, a spirited fundraising appeal to support the BioHub raised an impressive $300,000, led by The Stacy Joy Goodman Memorial Foundation, Jane Parker and Francis Cosentino, Susan and Jeff Goldenberg, Kirsten and Steven Heinemann, and Lynn & Stephan Solomon and Andrea & Marc Cohen.
To cap off the evening, an opulent dessert was followed by dancing into the wee hours.
The staff of the DRI Foundation thanks everyone who supported D.R.E.a.M.S. in the city, from our wonderful financial sponsors to our donors, ticket buyers, guests, auction winners, in-kind sponsors and volunteers. See you again next year!
Photo Credit: Marc S. Levine Photography
Here is where you will find all of Marc Levine's photos from D.R.E.a.M.S. in the city.
2013 DREaMS Co-chairs (l-r) Bonnie Inserra, Samantha Shanken Baker, Meryl Lieberman, and Diane Cohen |
Jane Parker, Jordan Dickstein and honoree Kim Dickstein |
Humanitarian Award recipients Ken Shewer, Susan Winberg, Marc Goodman, and Esther Goodman |
Sy and Irene Cohen with Diane and Bob Cohen |
Brad Buchmann, Mallory Buchmann, Meryl Lieberman, and Dr. Howard Gould |
Samantha Shanken Baker with Alan and Peggy Kalter |
Marc and Esther Goodman with son Matthew |
Max and Zoe Shewer |
John Hughes and Lindsey Inserra |
DRI Foundation Board members Joan and Bill Fishlinger... |
...Charlie and Marie Rizzo... |
...and Roberta and Bruce Waller |
Judi Reisman, Paul Reisman, John Reisman and Kim Dickstein |
WPIX-TV reporter Frances Rivera |
WCBS-TV reporter Dr. Max Gomez, DRI Director Dr. Camillo Ricordi, Tina Santi Flaherty and Dr. George Lombardi |
Dr. Harry Agress, Ronnie Cohen Agress, Laura Garrett, Bob Garrett and Bonnie Inserra |
Cassandra Gioffre, Juliana Gioffre, Larry Inserra, Jr., and Inez Gioffre |
Dr. Peter Godsick and DRI-TV reporter Benno Schmidt |
The cocktail hour |
The evening's program |
A view of the ballroom |
DRI National Board Chairman Harold Doran presents the Dare to Dream award to Kim Dickstein |
Susan Winberg, Ken Shewer, Matthew Goodman, Dr. Camillo Ricordi, Tom Pascarella, Marc Goodman and Esther Goodman with the book of remembrance |
During the fundraising appeal, Alan Kalter speaks to Nancy Sellarole, as husband Ted Sellarole cheers her on |