New York, NY (April 22 , 2015) – Ten years ago, the D.R.E.a.M.S.in the city event, benefiting the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), started as a small cocktail party among friends who wanted to raise funds to help find a cure for their loved ones living with diabetes. Representing Diabetes Research, Elegance and Modern Sophistication, the flourishing event has transformed into a grand soiree, which is expected to attract more than 400 guests on Tuesday, May 5th, at The Pierre Hotel, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
In homage to its festive date, the evening will kick off with signature Cinco de Mayo cocktails, including traditional margaritas and other tequila-inspired drinks. The 10th anniversary event will also feature dinner, dancing and entertainment, plus a silent auction and live program, where the 2015 Dare to Dream Award will be presented to Donna and Ed Sirlin.
“Donna and I have personally experienced how diabetes affects a family. When I was in school, I would always worry about my mother, and Donna’s grandmother also suffered with many complications due to this insidious disease. We are proud that our daughter, Maddie, and her boyfriend, Corey, after hearing these stories, are as committed as we are to the DRI and the search for a cure,” said Ed Sirlin, who has gone above and beyond to contribute to the success of this year’s silent auction. A special section, marked as “Ed’s Curated Corner,” will be comprised of personally donated and other procured sports memorabilia – many of them one-of-kind, sought-after items.
The distinguished Alan Kalter from the Late Show with David Letterman will be serving once again as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, and The Jay Prince Band will draw guests out to the dance floor.
According to Co-chairs Samantha Shanken Baker, Kim Dickstein, Bonnie Inserra, and Meryl Lieberman, as well as, Young Professionals Chair Lindsey Inserra-Hughes, the evening will be a celebration of how far they’ve come – and nearly $6 million raised overall in support of the mission of the Diabetes Research Institute. Leading sponsors include The Inserra Family at the 50-Carat level; and The Shanken Family Foundation, Donna and Ed Sirlin, and the Stacy Joy Goodman Memorial Foundation at the Platinum Level, among others.
General admission tickets to D.R.E.a.M.S. in the city are $500 per person and $250 per person for Young Professionals (under 35) and can be purchased online at DiabetesResearch.org/Dreams or by contacting the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation at 212-888-2217. The Pierre Hotel is located at 2 East 61st St. at Fifth Avenue.
About the Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation
The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is the organization of choice for those who are serious, passionate and committed to curing diabetes. Its mission – to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now – is a testament to the belief that tomorrow is not soon enough to cure those living with diabetes.
The Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine leads the world in cure-focused research. As the largest and most comprehensive research center dedicated to curing diabetes, the DRI is aggressively working to develop a biological cure by restoring natural insulin production and normalizing blood sugar levels without imposing other risks. Researchers have already shown that diabetes can be reversed through islet transplantation, with some study patients living without the need for insulin injections for more than a decade. The Institute is now building upon these promising outcomes by developing the DRI BioHub, an integrated “mini organ” that mimics the native pancreas, containing thousands of insulin-producing cells that sense blood sugar levels and produce the precise amount of insulin needed in real time. The Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation were created for one reason – to cure diabetes – which is and will continue to be its singular focus until that goal is reached. For the millions of children and adults affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure. For more information, please visit DiabetesResearch.org or call 800-321-3437.
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Media Contact:
Lauren Schreier
lschreier@drif.org
954.964.4040